Observe the funding

Manchester University has secured funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to keep the renowned Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire operational.

The STFC said it intends to contribute to the operating costs for the eMerlin radio-astronomy facility at Jodrell Bank. The deal guarantees full funding at current levels for the next two years, during which time the development phase of eMerlin will be completed, with scientific project funding made available thereafter.

In the longer term, Jodrell Bank’s future will be secured by STFC’s investment in the development of the next-generation radio astronomy facility, the Square Kilometre Array, which will be led by Manchester University from the Jodrell Bank Observatory, working with Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Prof Alan Gilbert, president and vice-Chancellor of Manchester University, said: ‘We are delighted that the STFC has recognised the scientific importance of eMerlin and the Square Kilometre Array, and that they have provided a commitment to fund these important projects, which will guarantee the future of Jodrell Bank.’