Nobel Winner Resigns From Columbia University Role Over Epstein Ties

Dr. Richard Axel, who served as the co-director of the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, said his relationship with Epstein "was a serious error in judgment."

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Nobel laureate and Columbia University professor Dr. Richard Axel announced he is stepping down as the co-director of the school's Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, after the Justice Department's Jeffrey Epstein documents release highlighted his friendship with the convicted sex offender. Axel said his past association with Epstein was "a serious error in judgment" and that he is resigning from his position as an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute as well.

Why it matters

Axel's resignation highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal, as prominent figures continue to face scrutiny over their ties to the disgraced financier. The case raises questions about oversight and accountability at elite academic institutions.

The details

In an official statement, Axel said he has informed Columbia University about his plan to step down from the co-director role 'to focus on research and teaching in my lab.' The university said it has seen 'no evidence that Dr. Axel violated any University policy or the law,' but agreed with his decision to resign amid the 'continued fallout from the release of DOJ files.' The Epstein documents showed that Axel had been invited to Epstein's home and his private island, and corresponded with Epstein several times over email from 2010 to 2019.

  • In 2007, Axel was quoted in a New York Magazine article praising Epstein's intellect.
  • From 2010 to 2019, Axel corresponded with Epstein via email, according to the DOJ documents.
  • On December 30, 2011, Axel and his wife flew to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, a transit point used by many of Epstein's guests who visited his private island, Little St. James.

The players

Dr. Richard Axel

A Nobel laureate and Columbia University professor who served as the co-director of the school's Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender whose relationship with Axel led to the Nobel winner's resignation from his Columbia University role.

Columbia University

The Ivy League institution where Axel held his positions, and which praised his contributions while agreeing with his decision to resign.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

The institute where Axel also served as an investigator, and from which he is also resigning.

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What they’re saying

“My past association with Jeffrey Epstein was a serious error in judgment, which I deeply regret. I apologize for compromising the trust of my friends, students, and colleagues.”

— Dr. Richard Axel (Forbes)

“What has emerged about Epstein's appalling conduct, the harm that he has caused to so many people, makes my association with him all the more painful and inexcusable.”

— Dr. Richard Axel (Forbes)

“Dr. Axel's work has transformed our understanding of how the brain perceives the world and has also led to the production of life-saving protein-based therapy.”

— Columbia University (Forbes)

The takeaway

Axel's resignation highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal, as prominent figures continue to face scrutiny over their ties to the disgraced financier. The case raises questions about oversight and accountability at elite academic institutions, and the importance of carefully vetting associations, even with those who may seem intellectually gifted.