A well-known theoretical physicist is stepping back from the Ontario institution he co-founded, following the disclosure of his connections to the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in recently released documents.
Lee Smolin, an American Canadian professor specializing in physics and philosophy, has “agreed to pause his working relationship” with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ont., as stated in an email on Thursday from Perimeter’s executive director, Marcela Carena.
Smolin was a founding faculty member of the independent research center, which is recognized globally for its groundbreaking work in quantum theory and received much of its initial funding from Black Berry co-founder Mike Lazaridis.
He was working part-time at the Perimeter Institute while also holding academic roles at both the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto.
The communications between Smolin and Epstein were included among more than three million new pages of files released by the U. S. Department of Justice on January 30.
Nothing that has reviewed indicates Smolin engaged in any illegal activity or took part in any of Epstein’s criminal endeavors, and being mentioned in these documents does not imply wrongdoing. However, concerns have arisen after it was revealed that his connection with Epstein persisted for years after Epstein’s conviction for sex offenses.
The records show that Smolin kept corresponding with Epstein, and they made several attempts to communicate by phone and meet up until at least 2013 – five years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to state charges related to soliciting prostitution from a minor among other offenses. This correspondence seems to contradict Smolin’s own description of his relationship with Epstein.
Smolin did not respond to emails or phone messages from CBC seeking comments on discrepancies between what he previously stated about their relationship and what is documented, nor why he continued interactions with Epstein for years after seemingly becoming aware of his convictions.
He is one among several notable Canadians now facing scrutiny as ongoing connections with Epstein are revealed through these documents.
This summer saw them correspond again where once again topics included some recent research findings by Smoling who expressed interest along those lines closing off saying “I do look forward seeing you sometime soon.” Later around November-2010 he addressed how he’s been “too much out-of-touch” apologizing stating regret missing friends including him too!Pushing ahead toward Jan-11 they seemed confirm plans meeting NYC then twice followed checking availability month later yet nothing confirmed officially outside!Matter transitioned continually discussing scientific pursuits throughout ranging topics till last known exchanges lastly communicated March-April; hinting potential reconnection! By July ’13? It appears they’ve connected via Linked In platform too!</backward compatible channels demonstrated exchanges unfolded engaging realms aside diagrams linked academia combined photos accompanying unique birthday inscriptions presenting collaborative ambiance spanning subject matter enriching dialogue together shared moments surrounding mutually exchanged insights!
</backward compatibility narratives weaving intellectual companionship transitioning connections formed reflecting diverse interests wrapped around complex ideas intertwined revealing depths explored beyond surface presented alongside interactive realms understood!Source link
Documents seem to challenge Smolin’s narrative
On Thursday afternoon, responding to inquiries from , Perimeter Institute executive director Marcela Carena said via email, “At Perimeter’s request, Prof. Smolin has agreed to pause his working relationship with us as we undertake a careful review of the situation, and we will address this matter accordingly.” Smolin is one among many distinguished scientists who accepted research funding from Epstein over time. He told Globe and Mail back in November 2025 that this funding spanned roughly from 1999 to 2001-five years before Epstein faced criminal charges for the first time. WATCH | Epstein entered Canada in 2014 despite conviction: Epstein allowed to enter Canada in 2014 despite criminal history, records show Documents confirm that Jeffrey Epstein visited Vancouver in 2014 despite his 2008 conviction on two prostitution charges including soliciting prostitution from a minor. His conviction should have barred him entry into Canada. Federal officials have yet to provide a response. He also reportedly informed Globe that he couldn’t recall exactly when they last communicated but mentioned encountering him at a TED conference back in 2003. Earlier this week, he told Waterloo Record that “My entire relationship with Epstein preceded my moving to Canada and beginning my position with pi [Perimeter Institute] in 2001.” The newly released files regarding Epstein appear to dispute these timelines; emails uncovered by suggest communication between Smolin and Epstein continued until at least 2013.Smolin refers to Epstein as a friend
In one early message dated April 2009, Smolin remarked that Epstein “will be missed” at an upcoming May conference hosted by Perimeter Institute focusing on the economic crisis. This exchange occurred while Epstein was still incarcerated due to his crimes committed in Florida (he was frequently permitted out during daytime hours for work). In September 2009, while under house arrest post-jail probation period, Smolin emailed Epstien saying “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.” In response, Epstien invited him saying he “would gladly fly [you]to Florida for a weekend with your family,” leading Smolin to reply “That’s a very nice invitation. Thank you. Let me speak with [his wife] about when would be possible.” The following February-2010-Epstein asked if there was “any luck visiting?” Five days later Smoling responded “I would love visit.. I will come sorry about delaying it.” They appeared set up for another phone call four days later so they could catch up further.This summer saw them correspond again where once again topics included some recent research findings by Smoling who expressed interest along those lines closing off saying “I do look forward seeing you sometime soon.” Later around November-2010 he addressed how he’s been “too much out-of-touch” apologizing stating regret missing friends including him too!Pushing ahead toward Jan-11 they seemed confirm plans meeting NYC then twice followed checking availability month later yet nothing confirmed officially outside!Matter transitioned continually discussing scientific pursuits throughout ranging topics till last known exchanges lastly communicated March-April; hinting potential reconnection! By July ’13? It appears they’ve connected via Linked In platform too!</backward compatible channels demonstrated exchanges unfolded engaging realms aside diagrams linked academia combined photos accompanying unique birthday inscriptions presenting collaborative ambiance spanning subject matter enriching dialogue together shared moments surrounding mutually exchanged insights!
</backward compatibility narratives weaving intellectual companionship transitioning connections formed reflecting diverse interests wrapped around complex ideas intertwined revealing depths explored beyond surface presented alongside interactive realms understood!Source link
