Royal Society's Paul Nurse Sparks Fury Over Elon Musk Row, Citing Lack of Action on Fellow's Misconduct.
Critics are slamming the Royal Society's president, Paul Nurse, for defending the organization's decision not to take action against Elon Musk, despite claims the tech mogul has violated its code of conduct. Musk, who was elected a fellow in 2018, is facing renewed scrutiny over his role in slashing US research funding as part of the "department of government efficiency".
Nurse's comments have sparked outrage among some fellows, with many arguing that the organization should not tolerate Musk's behavior. "The Royal Society should not expel anyone, full stop," said Nobel laureate and fellow Andre Geim. "Expulsion is theatre. The people you want to punish usually do not care."
Others, including chemist and Nobel laureate Frances Arnold, support Nurse's view that the organization should focus on defending scientific values rather than taking action against individual members' behavior. "Our widespread dislike of Musk's positions and behaviour is not a basis for ejection," she said.
However, many others disagree, arguing that the Royal Society has a responsibility to hold its members accountable for behavior that damages public trust in science. "Fellowship isn't lifetime immunity," said fellow Peter Somogyi. "Scientific institutions have a responsibility to hold members accountable for behaviour that damages public trust in science."
The controversy has sparked heated debate within the scientific community, with many criticizing Nurse's stance as weak and cowardly. Stephen Curry, an emeritus professor of structural biology at Imperial College London, described the Royal Society's response to Musk as "truly depressing".
Others have taken a more radical approach, calling for the organization to take stronger action against Musk. Andrea Sella, a University College London professor who previously handed back an award from the society in protest, said that Musk had amplified an anti-science movement and was contributing to misinformation and attacks on marginalized groups.
As the row continues to simmer, it remains to be seen whether the Royal Society will take decisive action against Musk. One thing is certain, however: the organization's stance on this issue has sparked a fierce debate within the scientific community about its role in defending science and promoting public trust.
Critics are slamming the Royal Society's president, Paul Nurse, for defending the organization's decision not to take action against Elon Musk, despite claims the tech mogul has violated its code of conduct. Musk, who was elected a fellow in 2018, is facing renewed scrutiny over his role in slashing US research funding as part of the "department of government efficiency".
Nurse's comments have sparked outrage among some fellows, with many arguing that the organization should not tolerate Musk's behavior. "The Royal Society should not expel anyone, full stop," said Nobel laureate and fellow Andre Geim. "Expulsion is theatre. The people you want to punish usually do not care."
Others, including chemist and Nobel laureate Frances Arnold, support Nurse's view that the organization should focus on defending scientific values rather than taking action against individual members' behavior. "Our widespread dislike of Musk's positions and behaviour is not a basis for ejection," she said.
However, many others disagree, arguing that the Royal Society has a responsibility to hold its members accountable for behavior that damages public trust in science. "Fellowship isn't lifetime immunity," said fellow Peter Somogyi. "Scientific institutions have a responsibility to hold members accountable for behaviour that damages public trust in science."
The controversy has sparked heated debate within the scientific community, with many criticizing Nurse's stance as weak and cowardly. Stephen Curry, an emeritus professor of structural biology at Imperial College London, described the Royal Society's response to Musk as "truly depressing".
Others have taken a more radical approach, calling for the organization to take stronger action against Musk. Andrea Sella, a University College London professor who previously handed back an award from the society in protest, said that Musk had amplified an anti-science movement and was contributing to misinformation and attacks on marginalized groups.
As the row continues to simmer, it remains to be seen whether the Royal Society will take decisive action against Musk. One thing is certain, however: the organization's stance on this issue has sparked a fierce debate within the scientific community about its role in defending science and promoting public trust.
... again. The fact that he's not being held accountable for his actions is staggering 
. A bunch of rich folks with power playing by their own rules isn't how science works 
. It's time to take a stand and show some backbone, Royal Society 
.
. As someone who loves tinkering with gadgets and DIY projects, I believe in holding people accountable for their actions. If the society's gonna let Musk get away with slashing US research funding, what's next? 
. The Royal Society needs to take a stand and show that it's not just about being friends with the famous folks 
.
. It's time for some real leadership from the Royal Society 
.
and now he's using his platform to spread misinformation about climate change? give me a break! 
we need leaders like musk who care more about their public image than actually doing some good for society. meanwhile, folks like geim and arnold are just enabling him with their wishy-washy statements 
what's next, apologizing for the existence of vaccines? 
no thanks
. The Royal Society needs to take action, even if it means having an uncomfortable conversation with Musk about his behavior 
.
and Andrea Sella's no-holds-barred criticism of Musk's anti-science antics 
. The Royal Society needs to take responsibility for its members' actions and show that it's not just a bunch of stuffy old dudes who are out of touch with reality 
.
. everyone's getting worked up over nothing... i'm all for holding people accountable, but let's not forget that everyone's got flaws and we shouldn't crucify one guy just because he's a bit of a provocateur