# UK funding cut to Jodrell Bank

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-funding-cut-to-jodrell-bank
> Updated: 2026-08-05T14:25:04.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, UK Research and Innovation announced it would cease its £2.8 million annual grant to the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory when the current agreement ends in March 2028. The telescope, a UNESCO World Heritage site and key component of the e‑Merlin radio‑astronomy network, faces possible closure, the loss of 28 direct jobs, and reduced access for up to 3,000 researchers.

The decision sparked criticism from scientists, industry bodies and local politicians, and prompted a public campaign that quickly gathered thousands of signatures. By early August, the petition had attracted over 13,000 supporters, including artists, writers and scientists, and calls were directed at the new prime minister Andy Burnham and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds to restore funding. The cut is part of wider reductions by the Science and Technology Facilities Council that could affect around 800 jobs across UK research facilities.

## Claims

- UKRI will cut its £2.8 million annual grant to Jodrell Bank Observatory when the current funding term ends in March 2028. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The funding cut threatens 28 jobs at Jodrell Bank Observatory. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nearly 3,000 researchers use Jodrell Bank facilities. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Lovell Telescope was launched in 1957 and was the world's largest steerable dish at that time. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- More than 100 artists, writers and scientists have signed a petition urging the UK government to save Jodrell Bank Observatory. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jodrell Bank Observatory is a UNESCO World Heritage site. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The funding cut is part of broader STFC cuts expected to cause about 800 job losses across UK research facilities. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The petition has gathered over 13,000 signatures. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Jodrell Bank Observatory faces closure as funding cuts spark 5,000‑signature petition

UKRI funding cuts threaten Jodrell Bank Observatory, risking 28 jobs and 3,000 researchers; a petition with over 5,000 signatures and support from Sir Brian May and others urges a solution.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jodrell-bank-observatory-faces-closure-as-funding-cuts-spark-5000signature-petition

### 2026-08-02: UK faces closure of Jodrell Bank Observatory as funding cut threatens telescope

UKRI will cut £2.8 m funding to Jodrell Bank Observatory in 2028, threatening the Lovell Telescope, 28 jobs and research for 3,000 scientists; a petition of 100+ cultural figures urges the government to act.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-faces-closure-of-jodrell-bank-observatory-as-funding-cut-threatens-telescope

### 2026-07-27: UK cuts public funding for Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank

UKRI will end its £2.8 m annual grant for the Lovell Telescope after March 2028, jeopardising its operation, up to 28 jobs and thousands of scientists; the move has provoked criticism from Brian Cox, MP Graham

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-cuts-public-funding-for-lovell-telescope-at-jodrell-bank

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Cite as: UK funding cut to Jodrell Bank. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-funding-cut-to-jodrell-bank