Nobel Winner Steps Down As Director Of Columbia’s Brain Behavior Institute Over Epstein Links

Forbes Business

by Siladitya Ray, Forbes Staff

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Dr. Richard Axel, a renowned neuroscientist and co-director of the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University, has stepped down from his role following an admission of a past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Axel acknowledged that his involvement with Epstein was a "serious error in judgment," though he emphasized it was limited to brief consulting work over a decade ago. This decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of academic ties to controversial figures and the potential impact on institutional credibility. Axel, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2004 for his groundbreaking research on olfaction, had been linked to Epstein through emails obtained by the Miami Herald. While no wrongdoing was alleged in these communications, the optics of such a connection have prompted Axel to resign. The Zuckerman Institute, known for its interdisciplinary approach to understanding the mind and brain, has stated that Axel's departure will not hinder ongoing research but may necessitate a review of external funding sources. This resignation underscores the growing sensitivity surrounding financial ties in academia, particularly when linked to high-profile figures like Epstein, who faced multiple legal troubles. For businesses and donors, such connections can raise concerns about an institution's independence and integrity. Axel's decision highlights the importance of transparency in academic partnerships and the potential risks associated with collaborations that draw public scrutiny. His step down also serves as a reminder of the ethical challenges faced by researchers navigating the intersection of science, finance, and philanthropy.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/25/2026