The Nature article titled "Epstein files reveal deeper ties to scientists than previously known" (published February 6, 2026, by Dan Garisto) discusses a recent release of over three million documents by the US Department of Justice on January 31, 2026, under the Epstein Transparency Act. These files — emails, photos, financial records, etc. — shed light on Jeffrey Epstein's extensive connections to the scientific community, showing deeper involvement than previously reported.
Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender who allegedly died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had a notable interest in science. He funded projects, socialised with researchers, advised on topics like publications and visas, and kept a list of nearly 30 prominent scientists.
The article highlights several academics and their interactions, based on the documents:
Martin Nowak (mathematical biologist): One of Epstein's closest ties. Epstein funded Nowak's Program for Evolutionary Dynamics (PED) at Harvard with $6.5 million starting in 2003. Epstein had a dedicated office there, visited frequently, and maintained contact post-2008 conviction. Harvard shut down PED in 2021 amid scrutiny and sanctioned Nowak (sanctions later lifted in 2023).
Lisa Randall (Harvard theoretical physicist): Exchanged emails with Epstein, including joking about his house arrest (2009–2010 period). She visited his private island in 2014. Randall later expressed regret for maintaining contact and said she was appalled by the allegations against him.
Lawrence Krauss (theoretical physicist): His science-outreach organization received $250,000 from Epstein. Epstein emailed him amid Krauss's own misconduct investigation (leading to his departure from Arizona State University), advising no comment. Krauss stated he sought advice from many contacts during false allegations against him, had no knowledge of Epstein's serious crimes at the time, and was shocked by Epstein's 2019 arrest.
Nathan Wolfe (virologist, then at Stanford): In 2013, proposed Epstein fund a study on undergraduate sexual behaviour to test a "horny virus hypothesis." Wolfe visited Epstein's homes to discuss it, but no funding occurred. Wolfe later regretted not recognizing how inappropriate Epstein's framing was.
Corina Tarnita (mathematician/mathematical biologist, now at Princeton): In contact with Epstein from 2008 onward. In 2009, she provided wire-transfer details leading to Epstein sending $15,000 total to two Romanian women as scholarships for early-career women in mathematics, inspired by Tarnita's career. Princeton confirmed this via emails; no criminal allegations against Tarnita are indicated.
The article stresses that the files do not show evidence of criminal wrongdoing by these scientists related to Epstein's crimes. Many expressed regret or lack of full awareness of his activities. Institutional fallout included MIT actions after Epstein's $800,000 donations (resignations and suspensions) and Harvard's PED closure.
Broader implications point to questions about how elite academia handled ties to controversial donors post-conviction, highlighting ethical concerns around funding sources and influence — even when no direct complicity in crimes is alleged.
This issue illustrates the murkiness that can arise from academics seeking external funding; one never knows where the strings attached lead, or who is pulling them. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00388-0