1,900 scientists demand Elon Musk's removal from Royal Society
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The Royal Society's next Fellowship meeting, scheduled for March 3, is expected to address ethical concerns regarding the public statements and conduct of its members.
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Elon Musk listens as President Donald Trump meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington (Photo/Alex Brandon)
A growing number of scientists are calling for Elon Musk to be expelled from the Royal Society, with over 1,900 academics signing an open letter urging the prestigious UK scientific institution to revoke his fellowship. The demand follows concerns over Musk's public statements and behavior, particularly his promotion of conspiracy theories and controversial remarks.
The letter, penned by Professor Stephen Curry, was addressed to Royal Society President Adrian Smith and expressed frustration over the organization's continued "silence and inaction" regarding Musk's membership.
In the letter, Curry criticizes the Royal Society for failing to act, despite concerns raised by fellows more than six months ago. He referenced Professor Dorothy Bishop's resignation statement, which highlighted Musk's endorsement of conspiracy theories and attacks on prominent figures like Anthony Fauci as direct violations of the Society's Code of Conduct.
"I write to express my dismay at the continued silence and apparent inaction from the Royal Society over the Fellowship awarded in 2018 to Elon Musk," Curry stated.
He further argued that Musk's role in President Donald Trump's administration adds another layer of concern. Over the past several weeks, he noted, the new administration has launched an assault on scientific research in the United States.
The letter warns that by failing to address Musk's behavior, the Royal Society risks appearing complicit in his actions, stating that its "absence of any reaction... increasingly looks like a failure of moral courage."
Upcoming Royal Society Meeting and Growing Backlash
The Royal Society's next Fellowship meeting, scheduled for March 3, is expected to address ethical concerns regarding the public statements and conduct of its members, according to The Guardian. Discussions will likely include whether Musk should retain his fellowship.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about Musk's membership. In August 2024, several academics publicly criticized his comments regarding unrest in the UK, arguing that they violated the Society's principles. By November, Dorothy Bishop, a leading Oxford scientist, resigned from the Royal Society in protest, citing Musk's continued inclusion in the organization.
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In January 2025, Musk openly endorsed the right-wing Reform UK party, urging British citizens to support the movement. He branded UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as "evil" and called for his resignation, accusing British authorities of covering up mass gang rapes of girls.
His political involvement has intensified concerns within the scientific community, with many arguing that his rhetoric contradicts the principles of integrity and evidence-based discourse that the Royal Society upholds.
