Fiona has welcomed the Government’s announcement of additional funding for Jodrell Bank and the Prime Ministers' visit to Jodrell Bank. Jodrell Bank have been allocated a further £16 million to maintain expand the excellent services and research undertaken there.
Jodrell Bank is part of University of Manchester and houses the world-famous Lovell Telescope, which has been operating for over 50 years. The Jodrell Bank Observatory is part of the School of Physics and Astronomy, where they carry out a range of modern astrophysics research.
Jodrell Bank not only houses scientist from University of Manchester, but also works to inspire the scientists of the future - offering high quality education programmes to inspire pupils to pursue their interest in science. The Discovery Centre is a great place for a day out and takes new and exciting approaches to present the wonders of science evoking wonder, surprise and curiosity. They also run exhibitions and events at Jodrell Bank, enabling scientists and engineers to engage people with their work.
Fiona said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister to Jodrell Bank. I am delighted that Jodrell Bank, which was recently nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been awarded with such a significant investment. Jodrell Bank has been a pioneer of astrophysics for over fifty years and they continue to do fantastic research at the site. Beyond this, they have a fantastic outreach programme – inspiring the scientists of tomorrow with their Education Programme and Discovery Centre which I would recommend that all young people visit.”
Fiona continued:
“It was a sign of the importance the Government places on the work at Jodrell Bank that the Prime Minister was accompanied by no less than four Senior Government Ministers when she made her important speech yesterday about the Government’s investment in science and technology and in Jodrell Bank. It is exciting that the green light has been given for a further £16m to be invested at Jodrell Bank. This will include developing the Discovery Centre for visitors into an even more interesting place, particularly for children to visit and learn about the difference scientific developments at Jodrell Bank are making such as to help treat cancer. With the announcement of Jodrell Bank as a World Heritage Centre, visitor numbers are expected to double from the current figure of approximately 186000 per year and I am very proud that the iconic Lovell Telescope stands in my constituency.”