The Lovell Telescope, located at the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, faces potential closure as government funding is set to cease after March 2028. The projected annual savings from this measure are £2.8 million.
This decision is part of a series of cuts by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), which distributes government funding across various physics disciplines. The STFC aims to save around £160 million over the next four years, stating these measures are due to cost overruns.
Scientists have expressed concern, with many believing that long-term, fundamental research, including international collaborations, is specifically under threat. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the STFC's parent body, has recently revamped its funding model to prioritise economic growth and measurable outcomes.