Future of Jodrell Bank at risk after funding withdrawn
The Cheshire site houses the UK's largest radio telescope
Last updated 2 hours ago
The future of the UK’s largest telescope has been put at risk after the UKRI announced it was withdrawing its funding.
The Lovell telescope, which has stood at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire since 1957, is the world’s third largest steerable radio telescope.
The instrument has a diameter of 76.2 metres and is part of the e-Merlin array, a network of telescopes up and down the country which is operated by the University of Manchester from the site.
On Monday, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) said that e-Merlin will not be prioritised for further funding after its current agreement ends in March 2028.
This puts the functioning of the Lovell Telescope and the e-Merlin array of telescopes at risk, Professor Sarah Sharples from the University of Manchester said.
Ms Sharples, who is the dean of science and engineering at the institution, told the Press Association: “We are working at the University of Manchester extremely actively to find alternative sources of funding from government, from industry, from charities, from philanthropy.
“But, if we don’t find those alternative sources of funding, then there is a risk that as of the end of March 2028, then the Lovell Telescope will not be an actively functioning scientific facility for radio astronomy.”
In a statement, the UKRI said: “STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council) has undertaken a rigorous prioritisation process to focus investment on the areas that will deliver the greatest long-term scientific capability, impact and value for the UK, while maintaining a sustainable PPAN (particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics) portfolio.”
The decision to withdraw funding from e-Merlin is “the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based prioritisation process”, the agency added.
It added: “As part of this, STFC is focusing investment on the areas that will deliver the greatest long-term scientific capability and value, including the next generation of world-leading radio astronomy facilities.
“STFC continues to invest in Jodrell Bank’s future through its support for the UK’s hosting of the SKAO (Square Kilometre Array Observatory) headquarters, which is already delivering significant benefits to the University of Manchester and the North West.
“The current e-Merlin funding agreement runs until March 2028, providing time to explore alternative funding arrangements.”
A spokesperson for the University of Manchester said: “While these cuts to e-Merlin’s funding are significant, Jodrell Bank remains a major scientific, cultural and economic centre nationally and for the local area.
“We will be looking at the implications of this news carefully and working with our partners to secure the future of the Lovell telescope and e-Merlin.”
Physicist Brian Cox criticised the move on X, writing: “This is the result of many bad legacy decisions taken by UKRI hastily and without proper consultation, overseen by a government department that no longer exists. Surely the new @andyburnham government will want to take time to review this.”
E-Merlin is connected by a superfast optical network to its headquarters at Jodrell Bank Observatory.
Ms Sharples said: “It’s an incredible, iconic facility of cultural importance as well as scientific importance. So we at the university are extremely proud of our role in hosting the facility and very keen to do all that we can to maintain it for the years to come.”
Jodrell Bank had a pioneering role in the development of radio astronomy. Its work in tracking spacecraft in the early space race, and its research into quasars, pulsars and gravitational lenses, is also part of its outstanding scientific heritage.
The site has evidence of every stage of the history of radio astronomy, from its emergence as a new science in the 1940s through to the present day.
Mark II, 42ft, and 7m Telescopes are also part of the e-Merlin network operating from Jodrell Bank.
The Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement is regarded as a separate entity and is currently not thought to be at risk as a result of the cuts.