UCLA Professor Faces Scrutiny Over Epstein Correspondence

Emails reveal 2017 research funding discussions between Mark Jude Tramo and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Newly released Department of Justice documents have placed University of California, Los Angeles neurologist Mark Jude Tramo under renewed scrutiny, after emails revealed he corresponded with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2017 about research involving newborn infants and auditory stimulation. The exchanges, which span nearly a decade, have triggered protests on the UCLA campus and revived questions about academic institutions' past relationships with Epstein.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in addressing historical ties to Jeffrey Epstein, whose philanthropic outreach extended to multiple academic institutions despite his criminal history. The revelations about Tramo's correspondence have raised concerns about the vetting process for research funding and collaborations.

The details

The emails show Tramo, who directs the Institute for Music & Brain Science at UCLA, discussed scientific findings on neonatal pacifier behavior and maternal voice playback while seeking research funding from Epstein's foundation, Gratitude America Ltd. Tramo has said he viewed Epstein primarily as a potential donor and was aware of his prior conviction but not the "full extent" of his criminal history at the time of their correspondence. He has stated he never visited Epstein's properties and was not involved in activities tied to the later sex-trafficking charges.

  • In 2010, Tramo forwarded student emails to Epstein seeking advice about research opportunities.
  • In 2017, Epstein's foundation donated £73,000 (about $100,000) to support Tramo's institute.
  • In 2019, the email exchanges between Tramo and Epstein spanned nearly a decade.

The players

Mark Jude Tramo

An associate adjunct professor of neurology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and adjunct faculty member at the Herb Alpert School of Music, who directs the Institute for Music & Brain Science.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender whose philanthropic outreach extended to multiple academic institutions.

Gratitude America Ltd.

Epstein's foundation that donated £73,000 (about $100,000) in 2017 to support Tramo's institute.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The university has not publicly detailed whether a formal review is underway, but the case highlights the broader tensions universities face when addressing historical ties to Epstein.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges universities face in vetting research funding and collaborations, as well as the need for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to addressing past relationships with individuals like Jeffrey Epstein.