This rightly notes the value of science and diversity therein. Plus historic and new threats (including climate and health). The RS "will use its voice and the expertise of our Fellows to resist the various challenges to science" sidesteps how one of their Fellows is causing much of the current harm - ThreadSky

petraboynton.bsky.social • 5 days ago

This rightly notes the value of science and diversity therein. Plus historic and new threats (including climate and health). The RS "will use its voice and the expertise of our Fellows to resist the various challenges to science" sidesteps how one of their Fellows is causing much of the current harm

Reposted from The Royal Society

Science advances our economic, physical, and social and cultural wellbeing, and is key to a sustainable future. However, we live in times of great change, and the values that have driven science for the benefit of humanity are under threat. Read our statement here: royalsociety.org/news/2025/02...

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petraboynton.bsky.social•5 days ago

Perhaps this is their precursor to removing M*sk but it feels somewhat jarring in a statement clearly describing problems a Fellow of the RS has orchestrated and gleefully overseen yet makes no mention of him. Using your voice means speaking bravely - and clearly - including noting and removing harm

petraboynton.bsky.social•5 days ago

Please correct me if I'm wrong on this, but it feels odd that the Fellow who is the main architect of this
https://royalsociety.org/news/2025/02/science-under-threat
is still listed as a Fellow here
https://royalsociety.org/people/elon-musk-13829
And after multiple Fellows have 'used their voice', publicly and bravely - when the RS did not

petraboynton.bsky.social•5 days ago

This is familiar in academia
- awful things happen
- people flag the issue
- organisations claim things aren't clear, need discussing
- process repeats
- organisation eventually makes statement but don't name/remove culprits
- people calling this out viewed as problem, not the culprits
And on we go

petraboynton.bsky.social•5 days ago

Anyone who's been involved with issues around bullying, harassment or misconduct in academia will recognise the glacial pace things move with multiple chances given for those acting harmfully to change. They don't. But drawing attention to this process is classed as disruptive, divisive, political.

petraboynton.bsky.social•5 days ago

I hope the RS uses this statement to act very firmly in removing M*sk. I appreciate they have struggled to even get to this point - by saying things that are entirely reasonable. I applaud their statements but they'll only be credible if followed by firm action and direct support for those harmed

petraboynton.bsky.social•5 days ago

There's a Fellows meeting next week. Ideally this statement's a precursor to direct action springing from that. Be aware many will seek to appease the RS now, fearing they'll repeat typical academic practices with a statement but no action. Understandable, but more robust expectations are also good.

petraboynton.bsky.social•5 days ago

Two things this RS statement does not need in response:
1. Lots of think pieces and further discussions. The statement is out, now for direct action.
2. Silencing of those calling for said direct action. We expect this statement to lead somewhere and it's not unreasonable or vexatious to say so.

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