Jodrell Bank Observatory: Funding
Debate between Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath and Lord Hintze
Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)
I recognise the strong public support for Jodrell Bank. It is not closing and will remain a vital UK science asset. As part of the STFC’s prioritisation exercise, to put the council on a sustainable footing, UKRI has protected discovery-led research in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics, including the grant for post-doctoral researchers, which ensures that the UK leadership in those disciplines can be sustained in a more focused way.
My noble friend mentioned a figure of around £160 million. That is indeed the case by 2029-30, but UKRI is providing £135 million of transitional support between now and then. On the third point, I agree.
Lord Hintze (Con)
My Lords, I declare my interest in UK astrophysics, which I support through the Hintze Centre for Astrophysical Surveys. Embedded in this decision is the prioritisation of the SKA over e-MERLIN. What worries me is that there is no public data on why the SKA has been prioritised over e-MERLIN. Can the Minister please supply that data? I underscore that both are important.
Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)
UKRI and the STFC made a strategic decision to focus resources on the next generation of radio astronomy capability. That decision was taken as part of an evidence-informed process and prioritisation exercise across our research portfolio.