A well-respected theoretical physicist is stepping back from the Ontario institute 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 of physics and philosophy, has agreed to temporarily halt his collaboration with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario. Smolin was pivotal in establishing the research center, which is renowned globally for its groundbreaking work in quantum theory and received initial funding from BlackBerry co-founder Mike Lazaridis.
While working part-time at the Perimeter Institute, Smolin also holds academic positions at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto. His communication with Epstein was uncovered in over three million new pages of files released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 30. No evidence suggests that Smolin engaged in any illegal activities or was involved in Epstein’s illicit dealings. However, questions have arisen regarding his continued association with Epstein even after the latter’s conviction for sex offenses.
Despite Smolin’s previous claims about his relationship with Epstein, the newly revealed documents paint a different picture. Smolin did not respond to inquiries from CBC regarding the inconsistencies between his statements and the contents of the records, as well as why he maintained ties with Epstein post-conviction. Notably, Smolin is among several prominent Canadians facing scrutiny for their connections with Epstein as detailed in the documents.
Responding to CBC’s queries, Perimeter Institute’s executive director Marcela Carena stated that Smolin has agreed to pause his collaboration with the institute as they conduct a thorough review. Smolin, like many accomplished scientists, had received research grants from Epstein. He mentioned to the Globe and Mail in November 2025 that the funding spanned from approximately 1999 to 2001, predating Epstein’s initial criminal charges by five years.
Smolin had previously claimed minimal contact with Epstein after 2008, the year of Epstein’s guilty pleas for sex crimes. However, the latest files suggest ongoing communication until at least 2013, contradicting Smolin’s assertions. In various exchanges, Smolin referred to Epstein as a friend, discussing personal meetings and scientific matters. The correspondence includes discussions on research papers and plans to meet in person, indicating a continued relationship well past what was previously disclosed.
The final documented interaction between Smolin and Epstein in the files occurred in 2013, where Smolin expressed interest in meeting in New York City and agreed to connect on LinkedIn. These revelations shed light on a prolonged association between the two individuals, raising further questions about the nature of their relationship.