Statement on STFC Prioritisation Outcomes and Implications for Jodrell Bank Observatory
The Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics (JBCA) is reviewing the outcomes of the STFC prioritisation exercise announced by UKRI in July 2026. These decisions have significant implications for a number of activities hosted by, or closely associated with, Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, including the UK's national e-MERLIN radio astronomy facility, UK participation in JIVE ERIC and the European VLBI Network, elements of the UK SKA Regional Centre (ukSRC), support for the UK鈥檚 ALMA Regional Centre, Simons Observatory, and a range of research programmes and international collaborations led by University of Manchester staff.
Alongside these direct impacts, wider changes across the STFC astronomy portfolio will affect many JBCA researchers through collaborations, partnerships and access to other facilities and programmes.
One of the most significant decisions is the cessation of STFC support for e-MERLIN, the UK's National Radio Astronomy Facility operated from Jodrell Bank Observatory. The e-MERLIN programme currently supports much of the operational, engineering and scientific capability required to conduct radio astronomy observations from Jodrell Bank.
Without alternative funding, the loss of e-MERLIN would lead to the cessation of routine astronomical observations undertaken at Jodrell Bank Observatory, including the Lovell Telescope. The impact extends far beyond a single telescope network. It would affect the specialist technical, engineering and operational expertise that enables scientific observations across the Observatory, as well as research leadership, international collaborations, technical support for novel projects and the training of students and early-career researchers.
The combined effects of the proposed changes affecting e-MERLIN, JIVE participation and related astronomy programmes therefore pose a substantial risk to the future of Jodrell Bank Observatory as a major centre for observational radio astronomy. While educational, heritage and public engagement activities will continue through Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, the loss of active research capability would reduce opportunities to engage the public with new discoveries, live science and cutting-edge UK astronomy. Combined, these will make JBCE a less attractive place to visit if Jodrell Bank is not conducting world-class research on site.
JBCA and Jodrell Bank Observatory is working closely with The University of Manchester, staff, users, partners, funders and stakeholders to assess future options and explore opportunities to preserve these capabilities for the UK and international astronomy communities.
Further Information
We will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.