WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has pledged her support for Jodrell Bank Observatory amid concerns over the future of its scientific operations following a decision to withdraw funding for the e-MERLIN radio astronomy facility.
Ms Nichols made the commitment during a visit to the iconic Cheshire observatory, where she met scientists and staff to learn more about the work carried out using the Lovell Telescope and e-MERLIN.
e-MERLIN is the UK’s national radio astronomy facility, linking radio telescopes across the country to produce highly detailed images of the universe.
The visit follows a decision by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) not to continue funding e-MERLIN beyond the current agreement, which runs until March 2028.
The University of Manchester, which operates e-MERLIN, says alternative sources of funding are being explored.
Without replacement funding, the e-MERLIN facility has warned that astronomical observations supported by the national facility could cease from April 2028, with around 28 specialist full-time equivalent posts potentially affected.
The funding decision has prompted concern from scientists, politicians and other public figures, with calls for the Government and partners to find a way of maintaining Jodrell Bank’s scientific capability.
Among those backing efforts to secure its future are high-profile figures including astronaut Tim Peake, musician and astrophysicist Brian May and physicist Brian Cox.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also publicly backed efforts to protect Jodrell Bank, telling Parliament in September that there “must be a way to save Jodrell Bank”, describing it as both a heritage and research asset.
During her visit, Ms. Nichols said: “Jodrell Bank is a truly important part of our national heritage, but it also needs to be part of our future.
“The prospect of scientific observations ending in 2028 is incredibly concerning. This is not simply about protecting an iconic telescope. It is about protecting expertise, jobs, research and a capability that has been built up over decades.
“I was really pleased to visit, meet the people behind this work and hear directly about what is at stake. I will continue to make the case for protecting Jodrell Bank.”
Jodrell Bank has been at the forefront of radio astronomy since the 1940s, with the Lovell Telescope becoming one of the world’s best-known radio telescopes.
The telescope played a key role in tracking Sputnik 1 and has been involved in numerous major scientific and space missions.
The site also has a strategic role in space science and is home to the international headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO).
The UK is investing £327 million in SKAO between 2021 and 2030, while Jodrell Bank continues to host the organisation’s international headquarters. UKRI says its decision on e-MERLIN does not represent a withdrawal from the Jodrell Bank site as a whole.
The Government has said Jodrell Bank will continue to host world-leading scientific research, led by the University of Manchester and remain the headquarters of SKAO.
A parliamentary response in September said the Government was working with partners to ensure the observatory continued to thrive, while the University of Manchester explored potential alternative funding arrangements for e-MERLIN.
The observatory also has a major educational and public-engagement role, attracting visitors and school groups and helping inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Ms Nichols said she would continue working with colleagues and decision-makers to press for a solution that protects Jodrell Bank’s scientific capabilities and secures its long-term future.
The University of Manchester has also said it remains committed to exploring alternative sources of funding for the observatory and e-MERLIN.
