A row broke out among fellows from the UK Royal Society about the prospect of re-electing its former president Sir Paul Nurse as head of the institution.
The Guardian understands the association’s board has put forward Nurse, a geneticist and Nobel laureate, as its preferred candidate for the role, which would start after Sir Adrian Smith’s term ends next year.
Nurse was head of the institution from 2010-15.
Fellows of the UK’s national academy of sciences are now being asked to vote to accept or reject Nurse as president-elect, with the poll expected to close at the end of August.
However, fellows are divided over the prospect, with some arguing that it gives the impression that the organisation, which claims to be the world’s oldest independent scientific academy, is a “boys’ club”. The Royal Society has never had a female president.
One man, who wished to remain anonymous, said that although Nurse had an excellent record as a scientist, they were concerned that he had far too much power and influence over British science.
“I think it’s just bad for British science for one person to be at the forefront for such a long time, or in such a position of power,” they said.
The man added that society should have new voices and be open to different kinds of voices.
“It is a bad look for society that if they cannot find among 1,500 eminent scientists others who are able to lead them in new directions,” said the scholar.
They also expressed concern that by the time Nurse retired for the second time, he would be 81. “It gives the impression that this is an all-boys London establishment club and not a forward-thinking scientific society,” they said.
The fellow said there was a 200-year-old tradition of not electing a president twice. “And there appears to be no good reason to do so at this point,” they added.
Another fellow said they thought Nurse had done an excellent job the first time and that the society would be in safe hands if he was re-elected. But, they said: “I would have liked – and I think many would have liked – to see the first female president of the Royal Society.”
Founded in 1660 by luminaries including Robert Boyle and Christopher Wren, the Royal Society has been led by 62 presidents, all men.
Only a single president has served more than once: Sir James Burrow, who held the post twice – albeit for only a matter of months. On both occasions he took over after the death of the incumbent.
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However, several presidents have served for more than five years, with the current five-year term limit set in the nineteenth century. Among them was the first president – William Brouncker, second Viscount Brouncker – who held the post for 15 years, while Sir Isaac Newton was president for 24 years and Joseph Banks for more than 40 years.
A number of fellows support Nurse’s re-election, saying he has excellent scientific and academic credentials, is a good communicator, is both persuasive and diplomatic, and has experience working with government.
Nurse was president of Rockefeller University in the US, chief executive of Cancer Research UK and the first director and chief executive of the Francis Crick Institute, a role he is due to step down from next year.
One fellow of the Royal Society said that some potential candidates might not want to stand for the five-year post, especially if they are involved in active research.
They also noted that there were several women on the five-person shortlist, but that after a thorough interview process, Nurse felt she was the best fit for the role.
“Paul Nurse has an enormous reputation, outstanding in every respect,” they said. “I am very satisfied.”
A spokesperson for the Royal Society said: “The Royal Society is in the process of electing our next president. The election is decided by, and is confidential to, the community. The Royal Society cannot comment on an election in progress.
