Royal Society plans meeting over Elon Musk's conduct

The Royal Society is set to hold an emergency meeting on March 3 to discuss the potential revocation of Elon Musk's Fellowship, following an open letter signed by over 2,700 scientists criticizing his behavior and political affiliations. The letter, authored by Emeritus Professor Stephen Curry, alleges that Musk's actions, including spreading conspiracy theories and attacking political figures, violate the Society's code of conduct. The controversy has intensified since Musk's appointment as head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency under Donald Trump, raising concerns about his impact on scientific research. The Society's president, Sir Adrian Smith, acknowledged the pressure and emphasized the need for internal discussion regarding the public pronouncements and behaviors of its members. Critics, including former fellows like Dorothy Bishop, argue that Musk's continued fellowship undermines the reputation of the Royal Society, which has historically been associated with eminent scientists. The meeting aims to address these issues and determine the institution's stance on Musk's membership.