The Manchester Evening News has launched a campaign to save the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank after funding cuts were announced on Monday. The working future of the near 70-year-old telescope, a landmark on the Greater Manchester skyline, is in doubt.
History and Significance
Standing since 1957, it is the largest telescope in the UK and the world's third largest steerable radio telescope. In 1966, the first images taken from the surface of the Moon were received at Jodrell Bank. It played a key covert role in the Cold War, providing a four-minute warning of an impending nuclear attack. The observatory has studied distant galaxies and helped discover black holes, quasars, pulsars, and gravitational lenses. Today, it leads the e-Merlin array, a network of telescopes conducting deep space research.
Funding Cuts Announced
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. The annual grant is worth £2.8 million. The University of Manchester, which manages the observatory, said the cut would mean the end of the Lovell Telescope as an active scientific instrument by March 2028 and the loss of 28 jobs. An estimated 3,000 scientists could be affected indirectly. The Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, which hosts educational trips, is not affected and will remain open.
Political Reaction
Greater Manchester MP Graham Stringer, who served 15 years on the Government's Science and Technology Select Committee, said he was 'outraged' by the decision. "Jodrell Bank has to be saved," he said. "It has to be saveable if No 10 in the North and rebalancing the country - Andy Burnham's projects - are to survive. It's the first test of his promise - it's absolutely critical for his future and the north of England that he changes this."
University and UKRI Statements
Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice President and Dean of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester, said: "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." The university is 'extremely actively' seeking alternative funding from government, industry, charities, and philanthropy. A UKRI spokesperson 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 spokesperson added that the decision was evidence-based and that STFC continues to invest in Jodrell Bank through its support for the SKAO headquarters, and that the current e-MERLIN funding runs until March 2028, allowing time to explore alternatives.
The M.E.N. is calling on the funding decision to be reversed and has launched a petition.
