The Royal Society of Britain is set to hold a significant meeting on Monday to discuss the potential expulsion of Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, from its fellowship.
Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is a distinguished scientific institution, home to many of the world’s leading scientists. Notable past members include Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Dorothy Hodgkin, Benjamin Franklin, and Stephen Hawking.
Musk, who was inducted as a fellow in 2018, has faced criticism from some members of the society over his behavior and public statements, prompting the society to examine the “principles around public pronouncements and behaviors of fellows.”
More than 3,000 individuals, including several Nobel Prize laureates, signed an open letter last month accusing Musk of violating the society’s code of conduct by promoting “unfounded conspiracy theories.”
Critics argue that changes Musk made to X (formerly Twitter) after his 2022 acquisition of the platform have contributed to the spread of misinformation. Musk has also been criticized for spreading inaccurate information on topics such as COVID-19, vaccines, and health issues like heart problems and miscarriages.
Stephen Curry, a professor at Imperial College London and one of the authors of the open letter, clarified that the issue is not about political views but about Musk’s disregard for evidence.
The Royal Society aims to promote science for the betterment of humanity and the planet. While the organization has recognized Musk’s contributions to space exploration and electric vehicles, the debate continues over his influence on scientific integrity.
The meeting, which will be held privately, could lead to a decision about Musk’s status within the fellowship. The Royal Society has stated that it handles such matters with strict confidentiality.
AFP
