University of California reverses decision on Lick Observatory funding

University of California officials have reversed a previous decision to pull funding from the Lick Observatory.

The university system had announced that funding from the UC Santa Cruz-based research unit would be pulled by 2018.

However, according to a new written statement issued by UC Provost Aimee Dorr, Lick Observatory operations will continue under the management of UC Observatories, the multi-campus astronomical research unit headquartered at UC Santa Cruz.

“Given the current state of affairs and trajectory for UCO and UC astronomy, we are rescinding the stipulations in our September 16, 2013 letter as to how Lick is to be funded and managed,” Dorr wrote. “It is no longer UCOP’s intention to require that Lick Observatory be self supporting, begin a glide path to self-supporting status no later than FY 2016-17, or be managed by an entity other than UCO.”

Lick has an annual operating budget of approximately $1.5 million. Ongoing fundraising efforts and potential partnerships currently being explored may provide additional funding for Lick.

Lick Observatory was established in 1888 on Mt. Hamilton near San Jose. It serves as an active facility for astronomers and students to conduct research and test next-generation technologies.