A founding member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is stepping away from his duties after documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein became public.
The files, released by the United States Department of Justice, include correspondence between Epstein and physicist Lee Smolin. While large sections remain redacted to protect private individuals and sensitive material, several email exchanges were made available.
In a statement to 570 NewsRadio, the Perimeter Institute confirmed that Smolin has agreed to pause his working relationship while a review is conducted.
“At Perimeter’s request, Professor Smolin has agreed to pause his working relationship with us as we undertake a careful review of the situation,” the institute stated. “We will address this matter accordingly.”
The correspondence spans several years and ranges from casual greetings to invitations to meet in person.
One email from 2009—sent shortly after Epstein’s release from prison—shows Smolin writing, “I hear that you are out and living there at home. Hope all is well, would love to see you and catch up at some point.”
Epstein responded by offering to fly Smolin and his family to Florida for a weekend visit, stating he would arrange tickets and accommodations.
Additional messages reflect ongoing discussions about travel plans and scheduling conflicts. In one exchange, Smolin referenced professional commitments at the Perimeter Institute that delayed potential visits. In another, he noted that he had reduced travel due to a demanding work period, adding that the shift had led to “some great new ideas.”
Importantly, none of the released documents directly state or suggest that Smolin was involved in illegal conduct or linked to criminal activity associated with Epstein.
Concerns appear to center not on explicit wrongdoing, but on the nature and duration of the relationship. The emails show the two men referring to each other as friends, and communication reportedly continued for several years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
Another point that draws attention is financial backing. One document states that the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation had supported multiple prominent scientists, including Smolin, as well as figures such as Stephen Hawking, Martin Nowak, and Gregory Benford.
Financial connections between Epstein and academic institutions have been scrutinized for years, particularly as universities and research centers reassess past donations linked to controversial figures.
As of publication, Smolin has not issued a public response. 570 NewsRadio confirmed that outreach efforts were made, but no statement has been provided.
For the Perimeter Institute—an internationally recognized hub for theoretical physics research—the pause serves as a reputational safeguard while the facts are examined. Institutions across North America have adopted similar approaches when historical ties surface in newly released records.
The situation underscores a broader challenge facing academia: how to address past associations revealed through ongoing legal disclosures, even when those links do not imply criminal participation.
For now, the institute’s review continues. The findings—and any next steps—remain to be seen.
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