Elon Musk is causing problems for the Royal Society
His continued membership has led to a high-profile resignation
ISAAC NEWTON was a self-interested tyrant. James Watson, a Nobel laureate, spouted racist and sexist notions all his life. These men nevertheless managed to keep hold of one of the British scientific establishment’s highest baubles—fellowship of the Royal Society, the oldest scientific academy in the world. The latest member of that club to be accused of unbecoming behaviour is Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and, now, a confidant of President-elect Donald Trump. His continued inclusion—despite what some other scientists have called “anti-scientific” behaviour—has led to a fracas.
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This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Fellow feelings”
From the November 30th 2024 edition
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