By Simona Kitanovska
An Austrian math genius who is a Harvard professor has quit a prestigious scientific academy amid mounting pressure over his links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Martin Nowak, an Austrian-born academic, resigned from the Austrian Academy of Sciences just as an ethics probe into his membership was nearing its conclusion - effectively heading off a potential expulsion.
The academy confirmed it had launched an investigation after newly released Epstein files repeatedly mentioned Nowak.
An ethics committee had been tasked with reviewing his position, with a hearing expected before any final decision.
But Nowak stepped down before that could happen. The academy said it “takes note” of his resignation, which will become official after 10 days.
The review of his doctoral supervisor, fellow mathematician Karl Sigmund, is still ongoing.
In a statement, Nowak blamed what he described as a “misguided and reputation-damaging public perception” created by recent media coverage.
He insisted he “deeply abhors” Epstein’s crimes and claimed he had never witnessed any wrongdoing.
According to Nowak, his contact with Epstein was limited to the financier’s interest in his scientific work and related donations to Harvard University.
He also stressed that Epstein had no influence on his research.
The controversy has already had consequences in the United States, where Nowak was placed on leave by Harvard over the links.
The case gained momentum following the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice, shedding new light on Epstein’s network of contacts.
Byline Journalist: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Mike Leidig
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Copychecker: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Illustrator: Simona Kitanovska
Byline News Editor: Simona Kitanovska
Subject: Education, Teaching
T4 Editor Story Rating: 5
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 6
T4 Total rating: 5.5
