Fellows of the Royal Society gathered yesterday for a crucial meeting to discuss what they termed “Fellows’ behaviour.” The meeting followed the resignation of two fellows and an open letter signed by nearly 3,500 scientists, raising concerns over the conduct of one particular fellow: Elon Musk. The decision not to address Musk’s actions directly has sparked disappointment and frustration among many in the scientific community, with some questioning the Royal Society’s commitment to ethical standards.
Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions. Its fellows, who are some of the leading figures in science, are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and conduct. Musk, who was admitted to the Royal Society in 2018 for his groundbreaking technological innovations, has recently drawn widespread criticism for actions that many believe contravene the society’s code of conduct.
Musk has become a controversial figure, particularly in his role as head of the Trump administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge). His behaviour, including his public attacks on scientists such as Anthony Fauci and his outspoken opposition to scientific research in the US, has raised serious concerns. Musk’s involvement in the administration’s efforts to restrict research, silence climate scientists, and cut funding for scientific projects has alarmed many, particularly as the scientific community faces unprecedented challenges.
The Royal Society’s code of conduct for its fellows clearly states that “Fellows and Foreign Members shall not act or fail to act in any way which would undermine the Society’s mission or bring the Society into disrepute.” Given Musk’s actions, it is apparent that his behaviour has breached these guidelines. Many expected the Royal Society to take a stand and expel Musk, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining scientific integrity and defending the work of scientists worldwide.
However, the statement issued by the Royal Society after the meeting was met with disappointment. While it acknowledged “the need to stand up for science and for scientists around the world in the face of the growing challenges science faces,” there was no mention of Musk. Without any concrete action to address his behaviour, the words felt hollow to many in the scientific community.
Some have argued that expelling Musk could harm public trust in science, suggesting that it would blur the lines between science and politics. However, this perspective overlooks the critical role that scientific institutions like the Royal Society play in upholding ethical standards and defending the integrity of science. Particularly in times when science is under attack from political forces, the Royal Society has a responsibility to lead by example, demonstrating that it will not tolerate actions that undermine the work of scientists or damage public trust in scientific inquiry.
The intersection of science and politics is inevitable and, in fact, crucial to the scientific enterprise. Scientists possess unique expertise that is essential for informed policymaking and societal progress. Far from being apolitical, the role of science in addressing the world’s most pressing issues makes it deeply political in nature. By engaging in political issues and standing up for the integrity of their work, scientists can fulfil their ethical responsibility to society.
In the case of Elon Musk, failure to act against his behaviour could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging others to undermine science for political gain. It is critical that institutions like the Royal Society maintain their ethical standards and take a firm stance when necessary to protect the principles of scientific integrity.
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For this reason, one scientist has taken the dramatic step of resigning from their position as associate editor at the Royal Society’s journal Open Science in protest. This individual has vowed to stop submitting research to Royal Society journals and will no longer act as a peer reviewer for them. Their decision, while symbolic, reflects growing frustration within the scientific community about the Royal Society’s failure to hold Musk accountable.
The Royal Society is right in asserting the need to “advocate for science and scientists at a time when these are under threat as never before and yet at the same time have never been more necessary for humanity at large.” However, until it demonstrates concrete action to defend its own rules and uphold the integrity of science, it is difficult for many to trust the organisation to advocate effectively for the broader scientific community.
As the Royal Society’s role in protecting science becomes more important than ever, the question remains: will it take meaningful steps to address the behaviour of those who threaten the credibility of science, or will it continue to turn a blind eye to actions that undermine the very principles it claims to uphold? For now, many in the scientific community remain deeply sceptical about the Royal Society’s commitment to its mission.
