Perimeter Institute Halts Collaboration with Physicist Lee Smolin

Lee Smolin, a prominent physicist and founding member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, has agreed to pause his association with the institute pending a review of his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement released on Friday, a spokesperson for the Perimeter Institute confirmed that Smolin’s collaboration would be temporarily halted to conduct a thorough examination of the matter.

The review follows the release of previously confidential documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump on November 19, 2025. These documents included email correspondence between Epstein and Smolin, leading to increased scrutiny of Smolin’s professional ties.

While no allegations of misconduct have been made against Smolin, the Perimeter Institute emphasized the need to address the situation “accordingly.” Currently, Smolin works part-time at the institute and is also affiliated with the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto. His research primarily focuses on quantum gravity, though he has also explored theoretical biology, philosophy of science, and economics.

According to his profile on the Perimeter Institute’s website, Smolin has received several accolades, including being named a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and receiving the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Epstein’s background is well-documented; he pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges related to child prostitution and served a controversial 13-month sentence. He faced additional charges in 2019 for sex trafficking minors before his death in jail, ruled a suicide.

The released documents revealed email exchanges dating back to 2009, shortly after Epstein’s release from prison. In one correspondence, Smolin expressed a desire to meet Epstein, stating, “I hear that you are out and living there at home. Hope all is well, would love to see you and catch up some point.” Epstein responded with an offer to visit Smolin’s family in Florida.

Some emails discussed Smolin’s academic work, while others referred to meeting arrangements. Notably, a letter dated June 9, 2015, from the J. Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation, Inc., highlighted the organization’s financial contributions to scientific research, mentioning Smolin among the beneficiaries.

When questioned about his connections to Epstein, Smolin acknowledged receiving a grant from the Jesse Philips Foundation to support his research group from 1997 to 2001, clarifying that he has not received funding since relocating to Canada. No direct link was found between Epstein and the Jesse Philips Foundation, a philanthropic organization now known as the Jesse and Caryl Philips Foundation.

Smolin did not elaborate on his long-standing correspondence with Epstein or address the implications of the emails referencing sponsorship from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation. As the Perimeter Institute embarks on its review, the academic community watches closely, highlighting the complex intersections between research funding and ethical considerations in academia.