UK cuts funding for Jodrell Bank observatory

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The Jodrell Bank Observatory, home to the UK's largest telescope and a Unesco World Heritage site, has lost its funding after UK Research and Innovation cut its annual £2.8m support because planned physics research and lab costs escalated. All scientific observations are expected to stop on 1 April 2028 unless new funding appears. UKRI says it is prioritising research that can create industries and jobs. The decision also coincides with wider astronomy cuts, including the UK ending participation at the James Clark Maxwell Telescope and a 20% cut to Vera Rubin Telescope funding.

Scientific observations may cease at Jodrell Bank by 1 April 2028.