Recent disclosures from the Department of Justice reveal a series of interactions between Jeffrey Epstein and scientists, including Prof. Francis Barany of Weill Cornell, raising questions about the intersection of scientific funding and the actions of a convicted sex offender. The newly released files, dating back to 2009, detail discussions about potential funding for cancer and, later, Ebola research.
According to the documents, Barany met with Epstein in to discuss funding for his cancer research. This meeting occurred three years after Epstein’s conviction on charges of child prostitution. The connection between Barany and Epstein was facilitated by Anthony Barrett of Ossa Properties, a real estate management company managed by Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein.
Initial contact regarding Barany’s work appears to have begun in , when Barrett emailed Epstein about Coferon Inc., a biotechnology venture launched by Barany and two other scientists. Coferon, now known as BlinkBio, focuses on developing novel medical technologies for conditions like cancer. Epstein’s response to the information was dismissive, stating, “it seems gerat [sic] but the co is run by scientists, not a good sign.”
Despite this initial skepticism, Barrett continued to advocate for a meeting between Epstein and Barany. In , Barrett told Epstein that a meeting would be beneficial, even if Epstein had no direct interest in the company. The meeting ultimately took place in , arranged with the assistance of Epstein’s planner, Lesley Groff.
Following the meeting, Barany emailed Boris Nikolic, an advisor to both Epstein and Bill Gates, attaching confidential documents related to Coferon’s cancer detection work. Nikolic then inquired about the nature of Epstein’s interest in Barany’s work, to which Epstein responded with a curt “zero.” Nikolic subsequently indicated he would refer the materials to someone within a foundation, but suggested Barany “needs some attitude adjustment.” Epstein then instructed Nikolic to “ignore it,” stating, “i dont like him [sic].”
The correspondence shifted in , when Barany and Prof. Linnie Golightly, also of Weill Cornell, sought funding through Epstein’s associates for research into the early detection of Ebola. They appealed to Barrett, acknowledging Epstein’s previous lack of enthusiasm for Barany’s work but hoping for assistance, stating, “Would your contacts be able to help us, so in turn we may help protect o=r [sic] country?” Barrett forwarded this request to Epstein, who replied, “ill try.”
Cornell University has stated that its research administrative offices have been unable to identify any direct funding from Epstein or the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation. A University spokesperson confirmed that, to their knowledge, Barany’s interaction with Epstein consisted of a single meeting to present the concept of a microfluid device for cancer mutation detection, and that Epstein made no contribution to the research. Barany did not respond to requests for comment.
The released files also reveal Epstein’s broader interest in cultivating relationships within the scientific community. Joi Ito, a venture capitalist and former MIT professor, inquired in whether Epstein’s foundation funded institutions like Harvard. Epstein responded with a list of institutions, including Harvard, Cornell, and Mount Sinai.
These disclosures come amidst a larger examination of Epstein’s ties to science and journalism, as highlighted by recent reporting. The extent to which Epstein sought influence or attempted to shape research outcomes remains unclear, but the files demonstrate his active pursuit of connections with scientists and institutions. The documents do not suggest any instances of research fraud or alteration of scientific results, but rather raise concerns about governance, ethics, and potential reputational damage to the institutions and individuals involved.
The release of these files is part of a broader effort to increase transparency surrounding Epstein’s activities, mandated by the Epstein Transparency Act passed late last year. The Department of Justice has released over three million pages of documents related to Epstein, offering a more comprehensive picture of his network and interactions.
