Government vows to save Jodrell Bank amid funding cuts
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 16:32 · Archive
The Government insists Jodrell Bank has a 'secure future' after UK Research and Innovation withdrew further funding.
UK Research and Innovation announced in July that Jodrell Bank will not receive further funding after its current agreement ends in March 2028. Unless alternative funding is secured, all scientific work at the Cheshire observatory and its telescope network are expected to end on 1 April 2028.
The Lovell telescope, which has a diameter of 76.2 metres, is part of the e-Merlin array, a network of telescopes across the country. The decision puts 28 jobs at risk at the observatory and could have wider consequences for nearly 3,000 scientists whose research relies on Jodrell Bank's facilities.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Parliament that 'the Prime Minister and I have been clear that Jodrell Bank has a secure future'. He said there has been a 'science-based decision' to move from the e-Merlin telescope to the Square Kilometre Array, an intergovernmental project headquartered at Jodrell Bank but largely built in Australia and South Africa. Reynolds recently met representatives from the University of Manchester, which runs the observatory, to seek solutions.
How it is being reported
- Government insists Jodrell Bank has 'secure future' amid closure fearsBusiness Secretary Johnathan Reynolds insists Jodrell Bank has a 'secure future' amid fears of closure following a £2.8m funding cutChester Standard · 16 Oct, 16:21
- Government insists Jodrell Bank has 'secure future' amid closure fearsBusiness Secretary Johnathan Reynolds insists Jodrell Bank has a 'secure future' amid fears of closure following a £2.8m funding cutNorthwich Guardian · 16 Oct, 13:00
In this story: Jodrell Bank · University of Manchester · Jonathan Reynolds · UK Research and Innovation · Cheshire · Andy Burnham · Hannah Spencer
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