Loss of funding for Jodrell Bank Observatory will not affect site’s museum

Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement will not be affected by the loss of funding for scientific research at site's astronomical observatory.

Jodrell Bank in Cheshire is home to the Lovell Telescope, which opened in 1957 as the world's then-largest steerable dish. The Unesco world heritage site features a working observatory and a museum.

The arm’s-length body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) confirmed this month that it would no longer continue with its £2.8m annual grant to the observatory when the current funding term comes to an end in March 2028. The move could result in 28 job losses at the observatory.

The UKRI grant supports the Enhanced Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (e-Merlin), the UK's national radio astronomy network, which is headquartered at the observatory. The network comprises seven linked telescopes that combine their data to observe deep space with enhanced clarity.

Unless alternative funding can be found, active scientific observations using the Lovell Telescope will cease completely.

UKRI's decision has been heavily criticised by prominent scientists, who warn the observatory could close as a result. The TV physicist Brian Cox said the cut would be “devastating and irreversible” and said he was “astonished that UKRI are still ploughing ahead, and not working with the [Andy] Burnham government to find a solution”.

The University of Manchester, which owns and manages the entire site, has emphasised that the museum is funded separately to the scientific research programme at the observatory.

The site’s engagement centre “is separate from UKRI funding and remains open to visitors”, said the university.

The museum tells the story of the site where a group of world war two scientists, led by the physicist Bernard Lovell, discovered that radar could be used to detect radio emissions from space. It features interactive science exhibitions and has an immersive planetarium inside its First Light Pavilion.

Around 100,000 people come to the visitor attraction every year.

Regarding the loss of UKRI funding, the University of Manchester said it was “looking at the implications of this news carefully” and is working with its partners to secure the future of the Lovell Telescope and e-Merlin programme. 

The whole Jodrell Bank site “remains open and continues to play a nationally important role”, said the university.

A UKRI spokesperson said the decision to cut funding for the observatory had come after a "rigorous prioritisation process" to focus on long-term scientific value.