UK funding squeeze endangers Lovell telescope and key international physics projects
UKRI's STFC plans to terminate £2.8m/year of funding for the e-Merlin network in 2028, risking the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank unless alternative funding is found. The move is part of broader PPAN cuts, including scrapping about £49m for a CERN LHCb upgrade and £58.8m for the US Electron-Ion Collider, while the SKA remains funded and UKRI plans to boost budgets for AI and quantum tech; officials say the reductions aim to protect postdocs and PhD opportunities and preserve UK leadership, even as energy costs and international memberships rise.