The Royal Society, Britain's esteemed scientific institution, is set to hold an emergency meeting next month to consider revoking Elon Musk's fellowship after more than 2,700 scientists accused him of "disreputable" behavior and political bias, the Daily Mail reported.
The decision follows mounting criticism from scientists who argue that Musk's behavior and political affiliations undermine the society's values.
The controversy began after biologist Stephen Curry authored an open letter signed by over 2,700 scientists calling for Musk's removal.
According to the Daily Mail, the letter accuses the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla of breaching the Royal Society's code of conduct. It cites his online rhetoric, involvement in right-wing politics, and support for President Donald Trump's administration.
Additionally, concerns have been raised over Musk's participation in Trump's newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and its alleged adverse effects on the scientific community.
"The situation is rendered more serious because Mr. Musk now occupies a position within the Trump administration that has over the past several weeks engaged in an assault on scientific research in the U.S. that has fallen foul of federal courts," Curry wrote.
The Royal Society has acknowledged the controversy, confirming a debate on March 3 to address the "principles around public pronouncements and behaviors of fellows." While the institution has not officially named Musk in its statements, the meeting is widely understood to be centered on his membership.
This is not the first time Musk's status within the Royal Society has sparked division. Last November, University of Oxford psychologist Dorothy Bishop resigned in protest, stating that she could no longer be part of an institution that honored Musk.
"I just feel far more comfortable to be dissociated from an institution that continues to honor this disreputable man," Bishop said, accusing Musk of modeling himself after a "Bond villain."
Her departure was followed by the resignation of Andrew Miller, a University of Edinburgh biologist, who criticized the Royal Society's "inability to take proportionate action on Elon Musk's current promotion of disinformation and attacks on evidence-based policies and science advice."
Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is one of the world's most prestigious scientific academies. Past fellows include Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Albert Einstein.
Current members include Sir David Attenborough and Sir James Dyson. The institution has historically refrained from taking political stances, making the Musk controversy particularly sensitive.
"I don't like what Musk is doing — it's reprehensible. But I also think he's an astounding person in terms of what he has contributed to engineering," an anonymous fellow told The Times. "The society would be hypocritical if it singled out and censured one person for things they have said and done."
Musk would be the first Royal Society fellow to be removed in over 150 years if expelled.
A final decision is expected following next month's meeting.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.