UKRI’s funding cuts threaten the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire with closure, risking the loss of all scientific observations from 1 April 2028 unless alternative funding is secured.

The current funding arrangement ends when the agreement lapses in March 2028, leaving the future of observations at Jodrell Bank uncertain without new support, as UKRI withdraws funding for the e-Merlin network.

STFC says funding priorities were set through a rigorous process intended to maximize long-term scientific capability and value for the UK.

Scotland’s Astronomer Royal Prof Catherine Heymans calls the decision a real act of national self-harm, warning it undermines the UK’s radio astronomy capability and training infrastructure.

Jodrell Bank hosts the Lovell telescope, a world-leading radio astronomy facility studying galaxies, black holes, star formation, exoplanets, and the cosmic afterglow.

The Lovell Telescope is the world’s third-largest steerable radio telescope; when paired with e-MERLIN, its resolution rivals the Hubble Space Telescope for research into star and planet formation, galaxy evolution, and dark matter/energy.

Leaders emphasise safeguarding core discovery research and supporting postdocs and PhD students while pursuing financial sustainability by 2029-30.

STFC will maintain a role at Jodrell Bank as the host of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) headquarters.

UKRI’s prioritisation programme entails cuts to physics projects, with STFC core funding flat through the decade amid rising costs.

The funding shift aims to back projects with higher potential to create new industries and jobs, resulting in broader cuts to astronomy, including withdrawal from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope and a 20% reduction in UK participation funding for the Vera Rubin Telescope.

e-MERLIN, upgrades to CERN’s LHC, and the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope are not prioritised for further funding.

Prof Simon Garrington says everyone at Jodrell Bank is devastated; leadership will seek alternative funding to preserve national capability and science careers.