Key facts
- Jodrell Bank Observatory and the UK's e-Merlin radio astronomy network face closure in March 2028.
- The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is withdrawing funding for the Lovell telescope.
- Scientists warn of a "devastating" impact on UK physics and a potential "brain drain" of talent.
- The University of Manchester is actively seeking alternative funding to keep the Lovell Telescope operational.
The Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest England, is facing potential closure in March 2028 due to funding cuts announced by UK Research and Innovation, a government funding body. The Lovell telescope, a prominent 250-foot-wide parabolic reflector, and the associated e-Merlin network of seven radio telescopes will not receive public funding after this date. Scientists have expressed significant alarm, with University of Manchester particle physicist Brian Cox describing the cuts as "devastating and irreversible." Paul Howarth, president of the Institute of Physics, urged the new government to review these decisions, warning of a "terrible blow" to the scientific community and the UK's reputation. The University of Manchester, which operates the e-Merlin network, is actively seeking alternative funding from business, government, or charities to prevent the Lovell Telescope from becoming inactive. Completed in 1957, the Lovell telescope has a rich history, including tracking Sputnik, receiving the first images from the moon, and studying celestial objects like black holes and quasars. It also served as an early-warning system during the Cold War. The cuts are part of a broader trend of reduced funding for physics research facilities across the UK, with concerns that nearly 80% of early-career physicists are considering leaving the country.