PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(28 August 2026)

The Government continues to support the funding and development of radio astronomy in the United Kingdom through investment in internationally significant research infrastructure, skills and talent. To maintain the UK's long-term capability in this field the Government continues to prioritise investment in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, with £327 million committed between 2021 and 2030. Jodrell Bank will continue to host the international SKAO headquarters, and world-leading scientific research led by the University of Manchester. As part of its wider prioritisation approach, STFC grant funding for Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics postdoctoral researchers was maintained at 2025/26 levels, protecting around 400 postdoctoral researchers, while PhD studentships and fellowships were also protected helping to sustain the skills, expertise and research capability needed to underpin the UK's future in radio astronomy.