Professors Tied to Epstein Hoped Friendship Would Lead to Research Funding

New documents reveal Epstein's deep ties to academia, with dozens of researchers exchanging chummy emails and seeking his financial support.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A new trove of documents released by the Justice Department reveals that Jeffrey Epstein's reach into academia was deeper than previously known. Dozens of high-profile researchers, including Nobel laureates and college presidents, exchanged friendly emails with Epstein and sought his financial support for their projects. Many professors say they were driven by the need for research funding, as Epstein offered a shortcut to private donations without the scrutiny of federal grants.

Why it matters

The revelations underscore the allure of private money in research, and how Epstein's wealth and connections allowed him to cultivate relationships with influential academics. This raises questions about the ethical boundaries and potential conflicts of interest when researchers rely on funding from wealthy individuals with checkered pasts.

The details

The documents show Epstein kept close ties with dozens of researchers, exchanging chummy emails and offering to fund their projects. Some professors, like neurologist Dr. Mark Tramo, sent Epstein gifts and offered medical advice, while others, like Bard College president Leon Botstein, met with Epstein and suggested he attend graduation ceremonies. Epstein also cultivated relationships with academics at Yale, Harvard, and other universities, sometimes asking researchers he knew to connect him with others they respected.

  • 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

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 about $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 suggested Epstein be a guest at the 2013 graduation ceremonies.

Jeffrey Epstein

The financier whose wealth and connections allowed him to cultivate deep ties with dozens of researchers and academics across the country.

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What they’re saying

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

— Dr. Mark Tramo, Neurologist (Email)

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

— Leon Botstein, President, Bard College (Email)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ethical challenges that can arise when researchers rely on funding from wealthy individuals with questionable pasts, and the need for greater scrutiny and transparency around such relationships to ensure the integrity of academic research.