Scientists face fallout for past associations with Epstein
Nature • • nation
Key Points:
- Chapman University has ended its association with paleontologist John ‘Jack’ Horner following revelations of his 2012 visit to Jeffrey Epstein’s property and emails referencing “the girls,” with Horner expressing regret for his poor judgment and terminology used.
- Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019, had extensive ties to the scientific community, investing millions in research and maintaining relationships with prominent scientists even after his 2008 conviction.
- Columbia University’s Nobel laureate Richard Axel resigned from his co-director role due to his association with Epstein, though the university found no policy or legal violations on his part.
- Columbia also penalized faculty members involved in the irregular admission of Epstein’s girlfriend, Karyna Shuli
