Nobel Laureate Resigns from Columbia Institute Over Epstein Ties

Richard Axel steps down as co-director of Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute after revelations about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Richard Axel, a Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist and longtime Columbia University professor, announced his resignation as co-director of the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Axel is not accused of any wrongdoing, but said his relationship with Epstein was a "serious error in judgment" that compromised the trust of his colleagues and the public.

Why it matters

Axel's resignation highlights the ongoing fallout in academia from revelations about Epstein's relationships with influential scientists, academics, and others in positions of power, even after his 2008 felony conviction. The case raises questions about oversight and accountability within elite research institutions.

The details

The files show Axel was a frequent guest at Epstein's Manhattan home and served as an intermediary on Epstein's behalf with Columbia officials involved in admissions and philanthropy. Axel also allegedly discussed Epstein's efforts to secure a pardon from the former Florida governor. While Axel is not accused of wrongdoing, Columbia agreed his resignation as co-director was appropriate given the "continued fallout" from the Epstein scandal.

  • Axel announced his resignation on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Epstein was convicted of solicitation of prostitution by a minor in 2008.

The players

Richard Axel

A Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist and longtime Columbia University professor who co-directed the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who had relationships with influential scientists, academics, and others in positions of power.

Mortimer B. Zuckerman

A businessman and media mogul who pledged $200 million to endow the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University.

Alice de Rothschild

The daughter of a billionaire European banker who was rejected from Columbia University, despite Axel's efforts to help her application.

Charlie Crist

The former governor of Florida who Epstein allegedly sought a pardon from.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Richard Axel (New York Times)

What’s next

Columbia University has stated it will not comment further on the matter beyond its initial statement. It remains to be seen if any additional fallout or investigations will stem from Axel's resignation.

The takeaway

Axel's resignation underscores the far-reaching consequences of the Epstein scandal, which has exposed troubling connections between powerful individuals and institutions. This case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability within elite academic and research environments.