Royal Society to Discuss Elon Musk’s Fellowship Amid Misinformation Concerns
Britain’s Royal Society is set to hold a critical meeting on Monday following calls to expel technology billionaire Elon Musk from the prestigious scientific institution.
The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is one of the world’s oldest and most respected scientific organizations, describing itself as a “fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists.” Past members include Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Dorothy Hodgkin, Benjamin Franklin, and Stephen Hawking.
Concerns Over Musk’s Conduct
Musk, who owns X (formerly Twitter) and was elected a fellow of the Society in 2018, has come under scrutiny over allegations of spreading misinformation. The Society confirmed it would use the meeting to discuss “the principles around public pronouncements and behaviors of fellows.”
More than 3,000 scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, signed an open letter last month arguing that Musk had violated the Society’s code of conduct by promoting “unfounded conspiracy theories.”
Critics claim that since taking over X in 2022, Musk has made changes that have fueled the spread of misinformation on the platform. He has also used his personal account to amplify false claims, including misleading statements about COVID-19, vaccines, miscarriages, and heart problems.
“This is not about policing political views or enforcing some kind of political conformity,” said Stephen Curry, a professor of structural biology at Imperial College London and the author of the open letter.
“The main concern for many is that Elon Musk has not shown respect for evidence. Reports widely indicate that he actively disseminates misinformation on Twitter, violating the Society’s code of conduct.”
Growing Influence Amid Political Tensions
The Royal Society, which includes 1,800 fellows and foreign members—among them 85 Nobel laureates—states that its mission is to promote the use of science “for the benefit of humanity and the good of the planet.”
Musk’s growing influence in the White House has further heightened concerns. His role as an advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump has raised questions about the intersection of politics, technology, and scientific integrity.
“This discussion takes place at a time when science and scientific integrity are under attack in the U.S. and elsewhere,” Curry wrote on X’s rival platform, Bluesky, on Monday.
“I hope today the Fellows will have the wisdom and courage to show that the Royal Society can publicly defend its values.”
The meeting, open only to members, will take place behind closed doors on Monday evening. It remains unclear what action, if any, the Society will take regarding Musk’s fellowship.
