Overview
- UK Research and Innovation announced on Monday that it will not renew public funding for the e‑MERLIN network when the current agreement ends in March 2028, removing the £2.8m a year grant that supports Jodrell Bank’s scientific operations.
- The University of Manchester says that without replacement funding the Lovell Telescope will stop being an active scientific instrument for radio astronomy by March or April 2028 and 28 posts funded by the grant are at risk.
- Around 3,000 researchers use e‑MERLIN capabilities for high‑resolution radio imaging, so losing the array would directly affect ongoing studies of galaxies, black holes, pulsars and related research.
- Jodrell Bank and the university are actively seeking alternative support from government, industry, charities and philanthropy, and have launched public and political appeals after scientists and public figures criticised the move.
- The cut forms part of wider reductions to UK particle, nuclear and astronomy funding reported as about 2.7 percent over four years and reduced UK roles in major international projects, which critics warn could weaken Britain’s radio astronomy standing.