More than 1,300 scientists have signed a letter calling on the world’s oldest science society to reassess the billionaire’s membership following cuts to US science.
The Royal Society in London has called a meeting to discuss the behaviour of fellows following a growing campaign by scientists over the membership of Elon Musk. The 3 March meeting comes after more than 1,300 scientists signed an open letter expressing “deep concerns” about the conduct of billionaire Musk, who is a fellow.
Musk is working closely with US President Donald Trump on sweeping government reforms that threaten flagship US research programmes and are causing havoc to scientists in the United States and globally. He is also accused of spreading misinformation on the social media site X, which he owns.
Two Royal Society fellows have resigned over the institution’s perceived lack of action over Musk’s behaviour in recent months.
Integrity is one thing, but academics aren’t usually well-paid enough to be completely immune to not merely gifts/bribes, but life-changing offers. Musk is more than able to utterly change lives without breaking a sweat.
Academic integrity can be quite high, but it’s never infallible because people aren’t. I’m not saying money wasn’t involved, but I’d not be surprised, obviously.