Prof Michele Dougherty, first woman to hold position, is upbeat about role of private sector in space exploration The Royal Society was right to keep Elon Musk as a fellow, the UK’s new astronomer royal has said, adding that there is a benefit to the private sector playing a role in space exploration. Speaking to the Guardian after becoming the first woman to hold the 350-year-old position, the planetary scientist Prof Michele Dougherty said she had not been involved in the meetings around Musk’s fellowship, but that she supported the academy’s stance. Continue reading...

Research and innovation news alert: As part of the next long-term EU budget 2028-2034, the Commission is proposing to double the budget of the research and innovation framework programme to €175 billi...