UCSD Accepted Funding from Epstein for Controversial Paranormal Research

Emails reveal university's ties to convicted sex offender and his support for studies on telepathy in autistic children.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Recent revelations have uncovered a troubling connection between UC San Diego research and the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Emails show that Epstein provided funding to the university, specifically to researchers exploring unconventional areas of study, including the potential for telepathy in autistic children. This funding has raised ethical concerns and prompted a review by the university.

Why it matters

The UC San Diego case is part of a larger pattern of Epstein cultivating relationships with scientists at prestigious universities, often involving financial support for research. This situation highlights the ethical challenges universities face when accepting funding from private donors, especially those with questionable backgrounds.

The details

The connection dates back to at least 2010, when a fundraising request from UC San Diego's Center for Brain and Cognition, led by neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran, was directly sent to Epstein. In 2017, Ramachandran, along with professors Paul Mills and Deepak Chopra, began a study focused on autistic children with potential savant abilities, including the possibility of telepathic abilities. Epstein responded by directing his accountant to send $25,000 from his private foundation to support Ramachandran's research. The emails reveal that Deepak Chopra played a pivotal role in connecting Epstein with UC San Diego researchers.

  • In 2010, a fundraising request from UC San Diego's Center for Brain and Cognition was sent directly to Epstein.
  • In 2017, Ramachandran, Mills, and Chopra began a study on autistic children and potential telepathic abilities.
  • In 2017, Epstein directed his accountant to send $25,000 from his foundation to support Ramachandran's research.

The players

V.S. Ramachandran

A neuroscientist and the director of the Center for Brain and Cognition at UC San Diego.

Paul Mills

A professor at UC San Diego who collaborated with Ramachandran and Chopra on the research.

Deepak Chopra

A prominent figure in alternative medicine who played a key role in connecting Epstein with UC San Diego researchers.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who provided funding to UC San Diego for the controversial research.

Peter Hinkley

The psychology department's chief administrative officer at UC San Diego, who received the $25,000 from Epstein's foundation.

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What they’re saying

“I don't have a problem with my lab being funded by Epstein.”

— V.S. Ramachandran, Neuroscientist (Emails)

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

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

What’s next

UC San Diego has acknowledged Epstein's ties to faculty and stated that the matter is under review. However, the university has been limited in its responses to further inquiries about the scope and focus of the review, and whether its findings will be made public.

The takeaway

The UC San Diego case highlights the ethical challenges universities face when accepting funding from private donors, especially those with questionable backgrounds. It raises concerns about the scientific rigor and oversight of research projects funded by such donors, and the potential for conflicts of interest or undue influence.