FAS Response to Jodrell Bank telescope loss of funding
Why Jodrell Bank Matters
The announcement that funding for Jodrell Bank’s e-MERLIN radio telescope network is to be withdrawn has understandably caused concern across the astronomical community. Unless alternative funding can be secured, scientific operations are expected to end in 2028.
For many people, Jodrell Bank is best known for the iconic Lovell Telescope. It is one of Britain’s most recognisable scientific landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it is important to understand what is really at stake. This is not about preserving a historic telescope for sentimental reasons. Jodrell Bank remains one of the world’s leading centres for radio astronomy, carrying out internationally significant research and providing the UK with expertise in a field where we have long been recognised as a world leader.
The Federation of Astronomical Societies believes this is about much more than one observatory. It raises serious questions about the UK’s commitment to fundamental scientific research and its place within the international scientific community.
The decision does not stand alone. Alongside the loss of funding for e-MERLIN have come reductions in UK participation in several major international astronomy projects. Individually, each decision may have been taken for understandable financial reasons. Collectively, however, they paint a worrying picture of the UK stepping back from major astronomical research at a time when new facilities around the world are beginning to transform our understanding of the Universe.
Perhaps the greatest concern is not the loss of one instrument, but the loss of capability. Facilities such as Jodrell Bank do far more than produce scientific papers. They train researchers, develop new technology, attract international collaboration and ensure that the UK has the expertise to contribute to the next generation of major scientific projects. The e-MERLIN network supports a large international research community, with thousands of scientists relying on its unique capabilities to study everything from star formation and distant galaxies to black holes. Once that expertise is dispersed, rebuilding it is neither quick nor easy.
This matters to amateur astronomers too.
Professional and amateur astronomy have always enjoyed a close relationship. The discoveries discussed at our society meetings, the speakers who inspire us, the images we admire and the missions we follow all depend on a healthy research community. Many professional astronomers first discovered their passion through amateur societies, public observing events or visits to Jodrell Bank. The pipeline works in both directions.
FAS societies and their members play an important role in keeping that enthusiasm alive. Every outreach event, every beginners’ evening and every school visit helps inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and researchers. It becomes harder to make the case that science matters if the country appears to be retreating from supporting some of its own world-class research facilities.
There will always be difficult decisions about public spending, and no research budget is unlimited. However, investment in fundamental science should not be viewed as an optional luxury. Time and again, research driven by curiosity has led to advances in technology, computing, communications and engineering that benefit society far beyond astronomy itself.
The Federation of Astronomical Societies hopes that a way can still be found to secure the future of this vital research capability. Jodrell Bank has inspired generations of scientists and amateur astronomers alike, and has played a central role in establishing the UK’s international reputation for excellence in radio astronomy. Heritage alone is not enough. If we wish to remain a nation recognised for scientific excellence, we must continue to invest in the people, facilities and research that make that possible.
See also article on BBC News – UK’s iconic Jodrell Bank telescope faces axe in science cuts