Sir Paul Nurse, the Nobel Prize-winning geneticist, finds himself in a uniquely historic and contentious position. He has begun a second term as President of the Royal Society, a feat not accomplished by any other scientist in centuries. This reappointment to lead the UK's national academy of sciences, however, has sparked debate about diversity and influence within the hallowed institution.
A Controversial Return to Leadership
The 76-year-old scientist, whose career includes directing the Francis Crick Institute and leading New York's Rockefeller University, did not seek the role. He was anonymously nominated by several fellows and ultimately secured the position after a vote requiring a two-thirds majority. Nurse acknowledges the criticism surrounding his reappointment, noting his demographic profile. "I'm old, I'm white, I'm a man, so everything's against me," he remarked in an interview at the Society's London headquarters.
Some within the fellowship of 1,500 argued the appointment perpetuated a "boys' club" image for an organisation that has never had a female president since its 1660 founding. Nurse defends the process, emphasising it was competitive and involved an interview. He also stresses the demanding nature of the unpaid role, suggesting it deters many potential candidates. "You're always in the headlines, you're always being challenged in different ways," he said. "Lots of people don't actually really want to do it."
The Elon Musk Conundrum and Conduct Codes
One immediate challenge inherited from his predecessor, Sir Adrian Smith, is the fellowship of tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk's election, based on his achievements in space and electric vehicles, has been called into question following his controversial public statements and his role in a US "department of government efficiency" that slashed research funding.
Nurse describes it as "an immensely complex situation." The Society's code of conduct, which resembles an employer's policy, may need review, he suggests. However, Nurse's stance is clear: fellows should be judged primarily on their scientific merit. "We elect people for scientific achievement or delivery. And therefore my view is that we get rid of them if that turns out to be false or not correct," he stated.
While he abhors Musk's participation in right-wing rallies, he does not see it as grounds for expulsion. Nurse revealed he wrote to Musk as president-elect, suggesting the billionaire consider if he wished to remain a fellow given the Society's mission to promote science. Musk did not reply. Nurse believes the situation was exacerbated by delayed action but maintains expulsion should be reserved for scientific fraud.
Confronting Populism and Protecting UK Science
Beyond internal controversies, Nurse identifies a broader threat to scientific endeavour. "I think right-wing populism is an issue because science depends on the pursuit of truth, evidence, rational thinking [and] courteous debate, all of which is missing in the right populist way of thinking," he warned, citing the Reform party in the UK as an example.
His agenda for his second term includes tackling the UK's visa system, which he says deters early-career researchers, and reforming how science is funded. When questioned about the concern that one individual now wields considerable influence over UK science for an extended period, Nurse expressed his own unease. "It troubles me too," he admitted, but added, "I'm actually more modest than that. I'm not a power nut."
As he settles into the presidential apartment with its views of the London Eye, Sir Paul Nurse prepares to steer the Royal Society through a landscape fraught with political, financial, and ethical challenges, insisting that robust evidence and rational discourse must remain the bedrock of public and scientific life.
