A Message of Thanks from Jodrell Bank Observatory

As a result of the recent news, we have received an extraordinary number of messages, and it has been incredibly moving to read so many heartfelt expressions of support. It means a great deal to everyone at Jodrell Bank to know how deeply people care about this remarkable place.

The announcement that funding for the e-MERLIN radio telescope network will cease from the end of March 2028 is deeply disappointing. This is one element of a wider series of cuts to some areas supported by the Science & Technology Facilities Council. While these cuts are significant, Jodrell Bank remains a world-leading centre for science, culture and education, with an important role both nationally and within our local community.

The University of Manchester are very proud of Jodrell Bank and the Lovell Telescope as an active, high quality operating scientific facility. We are working closely with partners to explore alternative sources of funding for the Observatory and the e-MERLIN network, and discussions are already underway. We remain committed to doing everything we can to sustain the long-term future of this internationally significant scientific facility.

Many people have asked how they can help. We are enormously grateful for that support. Anyone who wishes to express their personal views may choose to write to their constituency MP. If you would like to support our work at Jodrell Bank with a financial gift, the University has set up a donation page here: donate.manchester.ac.uk/p/jodrellbank/

Thank you again for your continued encouragement. The strength of feeling shown by so many people has been a powerful reminder of what Jodrell Bank means to so many people across the UK and around the world.

Sincerely, from all at Jodrell Bank