Future of Jodrell Bank Secured

10 Jul 2008

The University of Manchester has reached an agreement with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) that should secure the medium and long term future of the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire.

The STFC has confirmed to the University its intention to contribute to the operating costs for the e-MERLIN 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 e-MERLIN will be completed, with scientific project funding made available thereafter.

The long term future of Jodrell Bank will be secured by the commitment of the STFC to invest in the development of the next generation facility in radio astronomy, the Square Kilometre Array, which will be led by The University of Manchester from the Jodrell Bank Observatory, working with Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Commenting on the agreement, Professor Alan Gilbert, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “We are delighted that the STFC has recognised the scientific importance of e-MERLIN 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.”