Hundreds of people have signed a Manchester Evening News petition to save the iconic Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory, after UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced it was withdrawing its funding. The cuts, worth £2.8 million a year, have been branded 'short-sighted' and a 'false economy' by the public.
Public outcry
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing growing calls to step in and reverse the cuts, which threaten the future of the UK's largest telescope. The Lovell Telescope, a much-loved part of the skyline since 1957, is the world's third largest steerable radio telescope and part of the e-Merlin array, operated by the University of Manchester from the site.
Under the plans, funding would end in March 2028, bringing deep space investigation at the observatory to a halt unless an alternative funding stream can be found. MPs are currently in talks with the university and others to map out a way forward.
Historic significance
In 1966, the telescope intercepted and printed the first-ever pictures from the Moon's surface, and later played a key covert role in the Cold War, providing a four-minute warning of impending nuclear attack. In 2019, the site earned Unesco World Heritage status due to its significance to astronomy.
Outraged signatories have called for a rethink. One wrote: 'Jodrell Bank is not just an amazing asset to the UK, but also to the world. In the 1950s, my father was part of an American team that came to Jodrell Bank because no facility like it existed anywhere else. This is still true. There is a reason it is a World Heritage Site. It has inspired countless children to become scientists and engineers. I know this because I am one of them. I am sure the economic contribution of all those inspired children far exceeds the yearly running costs. Closing Jodrell Bank is short-sighted and a false economy. Please ensure it remains funded so it can inspire future generations to do great things for all our benefit.'
Another said: 'It draws researchers from all over the world. If the funding were to be withdrawn, the loss would be irreversible; the facility would become no more than a tourist attraction, the jobs would go and astrophysicists would be forced to leave the country to find employment. The cuts proposed are short-sighted and would damage international research.'
One poster called the site 'a national and international asset', adding: 'Instruction to continue funding must come from the highest level in Government immediately.' Another signatory said: 'Jodrell Bank has done so much for international research that we can't let it go. We must provide support for it. History should be preserved.'
Government response
In a statement, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) said: 'STFC 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 portfolio. The decision to withdraw funding from e-MERLIN at the end of its current funding agreement is the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based prioritisation process. 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 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. STFC continues to invest in Jodrell Bank's future through the UK's hosting of the SKAO headquarters, and Jodrell Bank will continue as a major international centre for radio astronomy.'
The Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement is a separate entity and is not at risk as a result of the cuts.
