Elon Musk faces potential expulsion from the Royal Society, the UK’s oldest scientific academy, after over 2,700 scientists signed an open letter protesting his membership. Professor Stephen Curry criticized the society for its inaction regarding Musk’s behavior, which allegedly contravenes its Code of Conduct. He pointed to the resignation of Professor Dorothy Bishop, who objected to Musk’s promotion of conspiracy theories. The Royal Society has never expelled a member in over 150 years, except for one case of fraud. Founded in 1660, it honors significant contributions to scientific advancement, with members including historical figures like Isaac Newton and Einstein.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is facing the possibility of expulsion from the Royal Society, the UK’s oldest scientific academy. This decision follows an open letter signed by over 2,700 scientists expressing their opposition to Musk’s membership in this prestigious institution. A meeting regarding this issue is scheduled for March 3.
In the open letter, Professor Stephen Curry from Imperial College London criticized the Society for its “continued silence and apparent inaction” concerning Musk’s fellowship awarded in 2018.
Professor Curry further questioned the Society for its lack of action against Musk, despite being aware that his “conduct conflicts with the Society’s Code of Conduct.”
He also referenced Professor Dorothy Bishop’s resignation, which highlighted Musk’s “propagation of baseless conspiracy theories and his harmful statements directed at Anthony Fauci, the former Chief Medical Advisor to the U.S. President.”
Professor Curry expressed his confusion about how Musk’s actions align with a code of conduct that mandates fellows to uphold “due regard for the values established by the Society over time.”
According to Professor Curry, the gravity of the situation is amplified by Mr. Musk’s connections to the U.S. administration. The 53-year-old has been designated as an advisor to President Donald Trump and also oversees the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Numerous members, including University of Oxford psychologist Professor Dorothy Bishop, have already resigned in dissent. Professor Bishop stated she could not associate with an institution that regards Elon Musk as a member.
For more than 150 years, no member has been expelled from the Royal Society apart from Rudolf Eric Raspe, who was dismissed due to fraudulent activity.
The Royal Society
Founded in 1660 in London, the Royal Society advocates for scientific research, advises policymakers on scientific matters, and promotes international cooperation.
Core members include scientists and engineers from the UK and the Commonwealth who have made notable contributions to advancing natural knowledge in fields like mathematics, engineering science, and medical science.
It has recognized notable figures such as Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin.
The current president is Adrian Smith, who succeeded Venki Ramakrishnan in November 2020.