Royal Society Members Urge to Revoke Elon Musk’s Fellowship:

The Royal Society, the UK’s prestigious scientific academy, is set to hold a crucial meeting on March 3, 2025, to discuss ethical principles around public conduct and statements of its Fellows. This follows a growing controversy over Elon Musk’s continued membership, with more than 2,700 scientists calling for the revocation of his fellowship.

Why Is Musk’s Fellowship Under Scrutiny?

The backlash against Musk was ignited by his promotion of conspiracy theories and controversial social media activity, which critics argue undermines the values of the Royal Society.

Professor Stephen Curry of Imperial College London, who led the open letter against Musk, criticized the Royal Society’s inaction, stating:

"Musk’s public statements are inconsistent with the Royal Society’s values, which require Fellows to uphold scientific integrity and responsible discourse."

Scientists Resign in Protest

Several prominent Royal Society members have already resigned, including:

Professor Dorothy Bishop (Oxford University psychologist) – Publicly criticized Musk, likening him to a “Bond villain.”
Other unnamed fellows have voiced strong opposition, with one stating:
"I don’t like what Musk is doing—it’s reprehensible. But I also think he’s an astounding engineer."

Political Ties Add Fuel to the Fire

Beyond social media controversies, Musk’s political connections, particularly his role in the Trump administration, have intensified concerns. Critics argue that his affiliations with anti-science policies make his membership even more problematic.

Professor Curry emphasized:
"The situation is even more serious given the increasing political climate in the U.S."

A Historic Decision for the Royal Society?

The last expulsion from the Royal Society occurred over 150 years ago—for fraud. If Musk’s membership is revoked, it would mark an unprecedented decision in modern times.

Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, acknowledged the concerns about Fellows’ conduct but warned of the complexity in judging acceptability of views, especially those that might be deemed political.

What’s Next?

The March 3 meeting could set a precedent for how scientific institutions hold influential figures accountable. If Musk’s fellowship is revoked, it could have significant ramifications for the Royal Society’s reputation and its stance on ethical scientific discourse.

As tensions rise, all eyes are on the Royal Society’s decision—will it choose to uphold tradition, or break new ground by taking action against one of the most influential figures in tech?