Jodrell Bank loses funding as STFC details physics cuts

The UK’s Jodrell Bank Observatory is among those losing out after research projects were told how they have fared in a “prioritisation programme” for physics funding.

The site, which houses the UK’s largest telescope, has lost its £2.8 million annual budget from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and could now close unless alternative funding is found, leaders told BBC News.

UKRI is seeking to cut the annual spending of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) by £162 million by 2029-30 because of rising costs.

On 27 July, it outlined which projects had been deemed “not prioritised for further funding”, and they include “e-MERLIN”, a network of seven telescopes headquartered at Jodrell Bank.

Other projects being defunded include UK support for upgrading the Large Hadron Collider at Cern and the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii.

HiPERCAM and ULTRACAM, ultra-fast, high-speed optical astronomical cameras that were developed by a UK team, are also losing funding. Several other projects have been “invited to apply for further funding at reduced level”.

One of the UK’s best-known scientists, Brian Cox, professor of particle physics at the University of Manchester, criticised the move.

“These devastating and irreversible cuts are a legacy from a series of hasty and ill-considered decisions taken by UKRI, overseen by a government department that no longer exists,” he said, referencing the closure of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology under the new government of Andy Burnham.

“The damage to the UK’s science base has already been substantial, and I am sure the new ministers responsible will want some time to review the situation. I am astonished that UKRI are still ploughing ahead, and not working with the Burnham government to find a solution.”

UKRI has been awarded a record budget by the UK government, but within it, the STFC’s core funding is set to remain flat for the rest of the decade.

Its costs are expected to increase substantially in the same period because of factors such as the rising cost of energy, high staffing levels and its increased portfolio of activities.

The funder said it was focusing its investment “where it will deliver the greatest long-term impact and ensure STFC reaches a sustainable financial position”.

Projects will continue until the end of their current funding agreement, which, for e-MERLIN, is in March 2028.

A UKRI spokesperson said that the STFC had “undertaken a rigorous prioritisation process to focus investment on the areas that will deliver the greatest long-term scientific capability, impact and value for the UK, while maintaining a sustainable [particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN)] project outcomes portfolio”.

The decision to withdraw funding from e-MERLIN “is the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based prioritisation process”, they added.

“As part of this, STFC is focusing investment on the areas that will deliver the greatest long-term scientific capability and value, including the next generation of world-leading radio astronomy facilities.”

The STFC will continue to invest in Jodrell Bank through its support for the UK’s hosting of headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), the spokesperson added.

Michele Dougherty, the executive chair of the STFC, said it had “protected core discovery research within PPAN, through a more focused portfolio that safeguards postdoctoral researchers, protects PhD opportunities and maintains the UK’s international leadership”.

“However, the situation does require some tough, but necessary, decisions, which we have outlined today.

“These are never easy choices, but we have made what we feel are the right decisions to bring STFC to a sustainable financial position by 2029-30.

“The strength of feeling and depth of engagement we have seen reflect the passion people have for the research STFC enables.

“While this has involved challenging conversations, it has shaped a plan offering the best available way forward, and we are grateful for everyone’s input.”

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com