Nobel Laureate Richard Axel Steps Down as Columbia Brain Institute Co-Director Amid Epstein Ties

Richard Axel, Nobel laureate and Columbia University neuroscientist, resigned as co-director of the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute following revelations of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While Axel is not accused of wrongdoing, documents show he was a frequent guest at Epstein's Manhattan residence and acted as an intermediary with Columbia officials. Columbia acknowledged Axel's contributions and confirmed no evidence of policy violations. Axel retains his University Professor title and continues his research.