Academics Sought Epstein's Funding Despite His Criminal Past

Professors say they hoped friendship with convicted sex offender would lead to research funding

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A new trove of documents reveals that Jeffrey Epstein's reach into academia was deeper than previously known. High-profile academics, including Nobel laureates and college presidents, exchanged chummy emails with Epstein and leaned on him to fund their research projects, even after he was convicted of sex crimes. Many professors say they were driven by the need for private funding in the competitive world of academia.

Why it matters

The revelations underscore the allure of private money in research and how it can blind academics to the risks, as they seek to secure funding for their work and careers. Epstein offered a shortcut to funding without the scrutiny of federal grants, and his association with famous figures amplified his appeal as a potential donor.

The details

The documents show Epstein cultivated a network of scientists, asking those he knew to connect him with others they respected. In some cases, researchers sought him out directly, asking him to bankroll their projects. Professors like Dr. Mark Tramo at UCLA and Dr. Nicholas Christakis at Yale met with Epstein and exchanged emails with him, hoping his wealth would support their research. Even college presidents like Leon Botstein of Bard College communicated with Epstein about potential donations.

  • In 2009, as Epstein's jail term was drawing to a close, Dr. Mark Tramo sent an email saying 'Only 13 days to go, buddy!!!!! — where and when's the party?'
  • In 2018, weeks after The Miami Herald reported new details on Epstein's criminal prosecution, Bard College president Leon Botstein reached out to Epstein, saying 'I want you to know that I hope you are holding up as well as can be expected.'

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A financier who kept close relationships with dozens of researchers, exchanging chummy emails and providing funding for their projects, even after he was convicted of sex crimes.

Dr. Mark Tramo

A neurologist at the University of California, Los Angeles who exchanged dozens of emails and calls with Epstein over more than a decade, receiving an estimated $200,000 from Epstein to support his research.

Leon Botstein

The president of Bard College in New York, who met with Epstein on multiple occasions and asked him to be a guest at the 2013 graduation ceremonies.

Dr. Nicholas Christakis

A Yale sociologist and physician who met with Epstein in 2013 to raise money for his lab, though Epstein never provided backing.

David Ross

A museum curator who resigned from his post at the School of Visual Arts in New York this month after emails revealed his friendship with Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“Only 13 days to go, buddy!!!!! — where and when's the party?”

— Dr. Mark Tramo, Neurologist, University of California, Los Angeles (The Associated Press)

“I want you to know that I hope you are holding up as well as can be expected.”

— Leon Botstein, President, Bard College (The Associated Press)

“Any funds I raise are administered by Yale University, and the Yale development office was aware of and supported my meeting with Mr. Epstein.”

— Dr. Nicholas Christakis, Sociologist and Physician, Yale University (The Associated Press)

What’s next

Yale University is currently reviewing the conduct of computer science professor David Gelernter, who was newly found to have ties to Epstein.

The takeaway

The Epstein scandal highlights the ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest that can arise when academics seek funding from wealthy private donors, especially those with a history of criminal behavior. This case underscores the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of such relationships to protect the integrity of academic research.