I have sent the following letter to The Times:
Sir,
The announcement that Jodrell Bank Observatory faces closure because of the withdrawal of scientific funding is deeply concerning for the future of UK science.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Bernard Lovell’s pioneering radar meteor experiments at Jodrell Bank, work that laid the foundations of a world-leading centre for radio astronomy. Today, Jodrell Bank remains at the heart of the e-MERLIN network of radio telescopes. Its loss would seriously undermine the UK’s ability to undertake world-class astronomical research and diminish our international scientific standing.
As a volunteer at Jodrell Bank, I also see its wider value. Around 186,000 people visit the Discovery Centre each year, including thousands of schoolchildren. By engaging young people with science in the unique setting of a working observatory, Jodrell Bank inspires many to consider careers in science, engineering and technology.
I urge the Government and funding agencies to reconsider this decision. Protecting Jodrell Bank is an investment not only in scientific discovery, but in the skills, innovation and scientific workforce on which Britain’s future prosperity depends.
Yours faithfully,
…….
Trustee, The British Astronomical Association