Jodrell Bank’s Observatory and Discovery Centre were visited on Monday 21st May by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, as she gave the go-ahead for Jodrell Bank’s £20 million ‘First Light’ science heritage project.
Macclesfield’s MP, David Rutley, joined the Prime Minister for the visit. Over recent months, David has worked closely and actively with Professor Teresa Anderson, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre’s Director, to help deliver the inspiring ‘First Light’ project. In the Autumn Budget, David secured £4 million for the project, which has unlocked the remaining funding to enable the ‘First Light’ project to go ahead. The ‘First Light’ science heritage gallery will include an exhibition and engagement space incorporating the original fabric of the 1957 telescope dish, as well as an auditorium devoted to displaying immersive digital presentations, an education hub, and a new café.
On her visit, the Prime Minister was given a tour of the Jodrell Bank site by Professor Anderson, where she met with members of the Observatory’s Astrophysics Team. She also viewed the Discovery Centre, where over 27,000 schoolchildren visit every year to learn more about Jodrell Bank’s historic role in the development of radio astronomy, helping to inspire the next generation of scientists.
The Prime Minister’s visit culminated with her delivering a speech on the importance of science within the Government’s modern industrial strategy, in which she set out plans to use data, artificial intelligence and innovation to transform the diagnosis of chronic diseases, which will see around 22,000 fewer people dying from cancer each year by 2030. The Prime Minister also highlighted how the industrial strategy will promote new technologies and modern construction practices to at least halve the energy usage of new buildings by 2030.
Speaking after the visit, David said, “It was an honour to join the Prime Minister as she gave the green light for Jodrell Bank’s ‘First Light’ science heritage project. This important initiative will help to promote the world leading science undertaken at the site, inspire the next generation of young scientists, and boost the local visitor economy. It will also further underline north-east Cheshire’s commitment to science. I congratulate Professor Teresa Anderson and her team for all their hard work in making this new initiative possible, and look forward to seeing this impressive project come to fruition going forward.”