Harvard suspends top scientist Martin Nowak again over Jeffrey Epstein ties
Harvard mathematician and biologist Martin Nowak has been suspended for the second time over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The renewed action follows the release of cryptic email exchanges between the two, revealed in newly published Epstein files. Nowak, a respected figure in evolutionary game theory, now faces further scrutiny from both Harvard and the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Harvard first placed Nowak on leave in 2020, later imposing sanctions in 2021 over concerns about his Epstein connections. The latest suspension comes after emails between the two resurfaced in recently released documents. Meanwhile, the Austrian Academy of Sciences has launched its own review, marking the first such case since 1945 when it expelled members linked to the Nazi Party.
A hearing is scheduled for March 31, with a decision on Nowak's potential expulsion expected in April. His former doctoral advisor, Karl Sigmund, was also drawn into the controversy after Nowak arranged a 2019 meeting between Sigmund and Epstein.
So far, no public statements have emerged from the wider scientific community, including US-based researchers. Reports have focused only on Harvard's internal actions, with no reactions from scientific bodies or peers noted.
The Austrian Academy of Sciences will decide on Nowak's membership next month. Harvard's latest suspension follows years of scrutiny over his Epstein ties. The case remains unprecedented in modern academic history, with no broader scientific response recorded to date.
