Over 100 artists, writers, and scientists have urged the UK government to prevent the closure of Jodrell Bank Observatory, warning that ending funding for its e-Merlin radio telescope network would cost £2.8m annually but risk losing the world’s clearest eyes on the sky
and 28 jobs, with broader implications for global astronomy and space safety.
The UK’s Jodrell Bank Observatory, home to the Grade I-listed Lovell telescope, faces potential closure after UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced it would withdraw funding for the e-Merlin network when its current agreement ends in March 2028. Over 100 prominent figures, including poet laureate Simon Armitage, astronaut Chris Hadfield, and the band New Order, have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to intervene, calling the decision foolish and shortsighted.
Appeal from 100 Figures
The letter, addressed to Burnham, business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, and UKRI head, argues that shutting down the e-Merlin network—part of the UK’s national radio astronomy facility—would damage the observatory’s role in tracking space debris, solar flares, and asteroids. We believe that to shut it down to save just £2.8m a year is foolish and shortsighted,
the letter states. The Lovell telescope, which tracked the 1957 Sputnik launch, is central to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), a global project mapping the universe’s first billion years.
Funding Cut and Its Consequences
The funding cut is part of broader reductions by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), which cited rising costs, including electricity, staff wages, and foreign exchange rates. The STFC claims it has undertaken a rigorous prioritisation process
to focus on areas that will deliver the greatest long-term scientific capability.
However, the move threatens 28 jobs at Jodrell Bank and could lead to 800 job losses across 40+ facilities, including the Rubin Observatory in Chile and the Next-Generation Transit Survey.
This is more ambitious than ever, with exciting plans already under way,
the letter argues, highlighting Jodrell Bank’s role in tracking space debris and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The observatory also hosts the SKAO’s new headquarters, a project involving telescopes in South Africa and Western Australia.
Scientific and Political Backlash
The STFC’s prioritization has drawn scrutiny, with critics arguing that the £2.8m savings pale in comparison to the observatory’s global contributions. The letter concludes by urging the government to find funding for it immediately
to ensure the unique and essential services it provides can continue without interruption.
Broader Implications for UK Science
The controversy reflects broader tensions in UK science funding.
As the March 2028 deadline approaches, the fate of Jodrell Bank remains uncertain. The observatory’s supporters warn that its loss would not only erase a piece of scientific history but also weaken the UK’s ability to address critical challenges, from space safety to cosmic exploration.
The debate underscores the high stakes of balancing fiscal constraints with scientific ambition. For now, the call to save Jodrell Bank remains a rallying cry for those who see its preservation as vital to the UK’s scientific legacy and global influence.
Theguardian and aol.co.uk both report on the funding cuts and the appeal to the UK government.
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