Scientists up in arms about cuts to UK physics and astronomy
Scientists and public figures are campaigning to save the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank after the UK government announced funding cuts to the e-Merlin radio telescope network. The closure would end the telescope's scientific operations by 2028 unless alternative funding is secured.
Why it matters
The potential loss of a historic scientific instrument highlights the tension between government budget prioritization and the preservation of long-term research infrastructure.
Search author on: PubMed Google Scholar
Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Whatsapp X Save article View saved research The Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank, UK, faces closure if alternative funding is not secured. Credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty
A growing clamour of voices is calling for the United Kingdom’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, to reinstate funding for the iconic Lovell radio telescope, at the Jodrell Bank Observatory, near Manchester.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the country’s main funding agency, announced on 27 July that in 2028 it would cut all of its £2.8 million (about US$3.8 million) annual funding for e-Merlin, a network of seven UK radio telescopes funded by one of UKRI’s divisions, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). E-Merlin provides Lovell’s only scientific funding, and unless alternative cash is found, the telescope will stop operations.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in