Elon Musk survives Royal Society expulsion bid

Elon Musk will remain a fellow of the Royal Society after a meeting to discuss revoking his association with the UK’s most prestigious science organisation ended without any disciplinary action being taken against the world’s richest man.

More than 150 fellows met at the world’s oldest scientific society on 3 March to discuss a proposal to expel the controversial Tesla and X boss, who was elected to the UK academy in 2018 for his services to science and technology.

Two leading scientists have already resigned their fellowships over Musk’s fellowship in light of what they believe are several clear breaches of the academy’s code of conduct, including his spearheading of radical cuts to US research funding and his outspoken attacks on public figures such as Labour MP Jess Phillips, whom he labelled a “rape genocide apologist”.

More than 3,400 scientists and academics have also signed an open letter expressing their dismay at the lack of action by the Royal Society.

However, the meeting appeared to end with no decision on Musk’s fellowship.

In a statement released after the meeting, the Royal Society explained how “fellows agreed on the need to stand up for science and for scientists around the world in the face of the growing challenges science faces”.

“Concern was expressed, in particular, about the fate of colleagues in the US who are reportedly facing the prospect of losing their jobs amid threats of radical cutbacks in research funding,” it added.

No specific mention was made of the motion to expel Musk in the statement, although the society “agreed to look at potential further actions that might help make the case for science and scientific research and counter the misinformation and ideologically motivated attacks on both science and scientists”.

“Fellows, over 150 of whom attended tonight’s meeting, were united in the need for the society to step up its efforts to advocate for science and scientists at a time when the these are under threat as never before and yet at the same time have never been more necessary for humanity at large,” it added.

This week the Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton added his backing for Musk’s removal, stating he “should be expelled from the British Royal Society. Not because he peddles conspiracy theories and makes Nazi salutes, but because of the huge damage he is doing to scientific institutions in the US. Now let’s see if he really believes in free speech.”

Musk responded: “Only craven, insecure fools care about awards and memberships. History is the actual judge, always and forever. Your comments above are carelessly ignorant, cruel and false. That said, what specific actions require correction? I will make mistakes, but endeavour to fix them.”

jack.grove@timeshighereducation.com