Update on Jodrell Bank Observatory and e-MERLIN funding
30 Jul 2026
A message from Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean of Science and Engineering
You may have seen the tremendous amount of media coverage, including international outlets, following the announcement on Monday (27 July) of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)’s decision not to renew funding for e-MERLIN radio telescope network, headquartered at the University’s Jodrell Bank Observatory.
The decision, made as part of a wider series government funding prioritisation, is significant. Current funding for e-MERLIN is due to end on 31 March 2028. The University’s focus now is on securing the future of Jodrell Bank and the e-MERLIN network.
Jodrell Bank remains open and active
The University and The Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement has received a significant number of messages from people who care deeply about Jodrell Bank and want to show their support. This strength of feeling is a powerful reminder of what Jodrell Bank means to people in the North West, across the UK and around the world from both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds.
Jodrell Bank remains a world-leading centre for science, culture and education, with an important role internationally and within the local community. The Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement is separate from the UKRI/STFC funding affected by the announcement and remains open to visitors.
Turning public support into action
The outpouring of public support emphasises Jodrell Bank’s value extends beyond scientific research alone, bringing wider cultural, educational and economic benefits – welcoming more than 100,000 visitors each year and playing an important role in inspiring future generations of scientists.
This holistic view of our UNESCO World Heritage Site will be at the forefront of our conversation with partners and decision makers to secure the future of the Lovell telescope and e-MERLIN.
This work is taking place at multiple levels and scale, including a fundraising webpage as part of our Challenge Accepted Campaign – Help secure the future of Jodrell Bank
Wider implications for UK science
I am very aware that the e-MERLIN funding is the most visible of a wider set of decisions announced on Monday by UKRI and STFC on scientific projects. Many of the other prioritisation decisions also affect University of Manchester colleagues and our collaborators. Professors Chris Hardacre and Chris Parkes have been working with affected teams to understand the implications and provide support.
In our ongoing discussions with research funders, we will continue to highlight the importance of sustained investment in the UK’s long-term scientific capability.
Supporting our people and taking action
Our priority remains to support our technical, academic, PS and research colleagues who are directly affected by this funding announcement.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the many colleagues who have come together to respond to this announcement. Your extraordinary commitment and passion have helped demonstrate just how valuable the work at Jodrell Bank is to local communities, scientists, engineers, educators and the country as a whole.
It has also been humbling to see the breadth and strength of the public response and I have been extraordinarily proud of the way that colleagues have responded so positively, collegiately and proactively.
Over the coming weeks and months we will all continue to work together to ensure the strongest possible route forward for Jodrell Bank, the Lovell Telescope and e-MERLIN.