Canadian physics professor steps back from job over Epstein questions

A highly respected theoretical physicist is stepping away from the Ontario institute he helped found, after recently released files revealed his ties to the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Lee Smolin, an American-Canadian professor of physics and philosophy, has “agreed to cease his working relationship” with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, according to an email Thursday from Marcela Carena, Perimeter’s executive director.

Smolin was a founding faculty member of the Center for Independent Research, which is known worldwide for its pioneering work in quantum theory and whose initial funding came from BlackBerry co-founder Mike Lazaridis.

Smolin was working part-time at the Perimeter Institute and also has academic appointments at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto.

His correspondence with Epstein had a share of more than three million New pages from the files released by the US Justice Department on January 30.

CBC News has seen nothing to suggest Smolin did anything illegal or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal activities, and the appearance of the files is not in itself an indication of any wrongdoing. However, questions have been raised after documents revealed that Epstein’s relationship with the financier continued years after his conviction for sex crimes.

The files show that Smolin continued to correspond with Epstein and the two made repeated attempts to speak on the phone and meet until at least 2013 — five years after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution of a minor in Florida and in another criminal case. The paper trail appears to contradict Smolin’s own account of his relationship with Epstein.

Smolin did not respond to email And in phone messages obtained by CBC, he sought comment on apparent discrepancies between what he had previously said about their relationship and what is on the record, and on why he remained involved with Epstein for years after learning of his criminal conviction.

He is one of several prominent Canadians to come under scrutiny as documents reveal his ongoing relationship with Epstein.

The files appear to belie Smolin’s description

On Thursday afternoon, in response to questions from CBC News, Perimeter Institute executive director Marcela Carena said in an email, “At Perimeter’s request, Professor Smolin has agreed to pause his working relationship with us as we carefully review the situation, and we will address the matter accordingly.”

Smolin is one of several accomplished scientists who have received research grants from Epstein over the years. He told the globe and mail It was reported in November 2025 that the funding ran from 1999 to 2001, five years before Epstein was first criminally charged.

She also reportedly told the Globe that she did not remember the exact date of their last communication, but she did mention crossing paths with him at a TED conference in 2003.

First, Smolin told The Verge in 2019 that he “had not seen Mr. Epstein since a scientific conference in 2007, and I have had no contact with him since 2008” – the year Epstein pleaded guilty to two sex crimes. Earlier this week, he told the Waterloo Record“My entire relationship with Epstein was before I moved to Canada and started my position at Pai (Perimeter Institute) in 2001.”

Although the latest Epstein files appear to contradict these timelines, emails obtained by CBC News show that contact between Epstein and Smolin went back to at least 2013.

Smolin calls Epstein a friend in messages

In one of the earliest In April 2009 messages, Smolin said Epstein “will be remembered” at a May 2009 Perimeter Institute conference about the economic crisis. The exchange occurred while Epstein was in prison for his Florida crimes. (it was allowed to go out regularly To work from your office during the day.)

in september 2009, Smolin emailed EpsteinAfter serving prison probation at the time and under house arrest, he said, “I heard you’re out and staying at home. Hope all is well, would love to come and see you sometime.” Epstein responded that he would “gladly fly (you) to Florida for a weekend with his family,” to which Smolin responded, “That’s a very nice invitation. Thank you. Let me talk to (his wife) when that would be possible.”

Then in February 2010, Epstein messaged, “Had you had the pleasure of visiting?” Smolin replied five days later“I would love to come… I will, sorry for the delay.” It appeared the pair had made a phone date to meet four days later.

They corresponded again That summer, Smolin described his latest research. He expressed hope for a phone conversation and concluded, “I look forward to seeing you soon.” In November 2010, Smolin Told Epstein that he went “Too out of touch” and that he “sads about missing his friends, including you.”

In January 2011, Smolin and Epstein appeared to confirm Plan to meet in New York City and Smolin twice Asked Epstein if he was still available to meet next month.

Their correspondence was often related to Smolin’s scientific activities. In April 2011, he approached Epstein with his latest paper on quantum theory, which he described as “Probably the most absurd idea I’ve ever had.,” and expressed interest in hearing Epstein’s comments.

He concluded, “Hoping to have a chance to sit down and meet you one of these days.”

This appears to be the last exchange between the two, included in the files. Smolin told Epstein He was visiting New York City in March and April 2013 and was wondering if they could get together. Finally, in July 2013, It appears like that Smolin accepted Epstein’s invitation to connect on LinkedIn.

Smolin wrote a message in Epstein’s 50th birthday book that included a photo of him and another of his colleagues, adding that some of the sketches were part of his research at the time. Book became a hot topic last year When it was revealed that it contained a suggestive message from Donald Trump.