Professors Hoped Epstein's Wealth Would Fund Their Research

New documents reveal deep ties between the disgraced financier and high-profile academics seeking private donations.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A trove of newly released documents shows that many prominent professors and researchers maintained close relationships with Jeffrey Epstein, even after his conviction for sex crimes, in the hopes that his wealth would provide funding for their projects. The emails and communications reveal an academic world where private donations from wealthy benefactors like Epstein became an essential source of research funding, leading some scholars to overlook or downplay Epstein's criminal history.

Why it matters

The revelations underscore the growing reliance of academia on private funding sources, which can create conflicts of interest and compromise ethical standards as professors seek to cultivate relationships with deep-pocketed donors. The Epstein case highlights the potential risks when the pursuit of research dollars overrides proper vetting of a donor's background and character.

The details

The documents show that Epstein kept in close contact with dozens of researchers, exchanging friendly emails, offering gifts, and even suggesting job candidates. Professors like UCLA's Dr. Mark Tramo described their interactions with Epstein as "standard operating procedure" when dealing with a potential donor, despite the financier's criminal history. Other academics, like Bard College president Leon Botstein, referred to Epstein as a "friend" while soliciting donations. The files reveal that Epstein cultivated relationships with scholars at many prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, and the University of Texas.

  • In 2009, as Epstein's jail term was drawing to a close, UCLA's Dr. 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

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 in funding from the financier.

Leon Botstein

The president of Bard College in New York, who met with Epstein on multiple occasions and referred to him as a "friend" while soliciting donations from the financier.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier who maintained close relationships with numerous high-profile academics, offering them funding for their research projects.

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What they’re saying

“It's human nature that philanthropists expect at least a modicum of congeniality from fundraisers and beneficiaries of their largess.”

— Dr. Mark Tramo, Neurologist, UCLA (The Associated Press)

“Mr. Epstein was not my friend; he was a prospective donor.”

— Leon Botstein, President, Bard College (Campus letter)

What’s next

Yale University is currently reviewing the conduct of two professors, David Gelernter and Nicholas Christakis, who were found to have ties to Epstein. The university has removed Gelernter from teaching while the review is ongoing.

The takeaway

The Epstein case highlights the growing reliance of academia on private funding sources, which can create conflicts of interest and compromise ethical standards as professors seek to cultivate relationships with deep-pocketed donors. This raises broader questions about the role of private money in research and the need for greater transparency and oversight in academic funding.