Harvard Channels MIT: Academic Funding Magnetism
May 20, 2020
The study of mathematical principles that guide evolution is a fascinating field, and Harvard’s Program for Evolutionary Dynamics is a worthy research and teaching program. Its goals include, among others, finding cures for cancer and for infectious diseases. Unfortunately, like many poised in an ivory tower, its director seems to have been afflicted with greed. The Harvard Crimson Reveals, “FAS Places Prof. Nowak on Leave after Report Finds Epstein Used His Program to Rehabilitate Image.” Reporter James S. Bikales writes:
“A University report found Epstein attempted to use Harvard and the Program for Evolutionary Dynamics, which Nowak directs, as a tool to rehabilitate his image following his 2008 conviction for solicitation of minors for prostitution. Epstein likely made more than 40 visits to PED’s offices at One Brattle Square between 2010 and 2018, according to the report, which also states that Nowak approved the posting of flattering and false descriptions of Epstein’s philanthropy and support of Harvard on the PED website.”
Though no evidence was found that donations from the (alleged) underage-sex-ring facilitator and serial abuser were accepted after his conviction, he had donated millions to the PED in the recent past. Epstein also helped facilitate a John Templeton Foundation grant to the program in 2015, which was accepted. Certain pre-conviction perks were also supplied to the convict-to-be, including a fellowship he was unqualified for and an office complete with keycode access to the PED building. There is no evidence Epstein interacted with students during his approximately 40 visits, aside from sitting in on one undergrad math class.
While awaiting trial on federal charges of trafficking and sexually assaulting at least 80 underage girls, Epstein died in August 2019 in his prison cell. Though likely to be less dramatic, Nowak’s fate is still to be decided pending an investigation.
Cynthia Murrell, May 20, 2020
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