Scientists face fallout for past associations with Epstein

Nature

by Natasha Gilbert

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Scientists are grappling with professional repercussions following revelations of past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender whose newly released documents have exposed ties to the academic community. Notably, palaeontologist Jack Horner, known for his work on "Jurassic Park," has lost his position at Chapman University after emails surfaced showing he visited Epstein in 2012. Horner claimed he sought donations for research but acknowledged poor judgment and expressed regret over referring to individuals as "girls." Meanwhile, Richard Axel, a Nobel laureate at Columbia University, stepped down from his role due to past connections with Epstein. Epstein's influence extended into the scientific community through financial contributions to institutions like MIT, which accepted nearly $850,000 from him over 15 years. His extensive interactions with researchers, despite a guilty plea in 2008 for procuring minors, have led to scrutiny of academic associations with such individuals. While some institutions, like Columbia, found no policy violations but supported voluntary decisions by affected faculty members. This situation underscores the importance of ethical oversight and accountability within academia. The fallout highlights how unchecked associations can damage reputations and erode public trust in science. As institutions reassess their donor policies and relationships, questions arise about how to balance funding opportunities with ethical considerations. This matter is particularly relevant for readers interested in science, as it impacts research integrity and the credibility of academic partnerships.

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Originally published on Nature on 2/26/2026