Prominent scientist resigns from Austrian Academy over Epstein ties
The Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) has lost one of its members after an ethics investigation linked him to Jeffrey Epstein. Martin Nowak, a prominent scientist, resigned before the committee could finalise its findings. His departure follows growing public scrutiny in Austria since the release of the Epstein Files. The ÖAW launched an ethics review after reports tied Nowak to Epstein, the convicted sex offender. The committee relied on public records and held a hearing as part of its inquiry. By mid-April, it was expected to issue a recommendation on whether Nowak should be expelled.
Nowak's resignation came as Harvard University also placed him on leave over the same connections. His doctoral advisor, mathematician Karl Sigmund, had separately requested a review of his own ÖAW membership after admitting to meetings with Epstein between 2018 and 2019. Sigmund's case remains under examination. The controversy gained momentum in Austria after the Epstein Files were published. Nowak, facing likely expulsion, chose to step down preemptively rather than await the committee's decision.
The ethics committee's work is nearly complete, though Sigmund's review continues. Nowak's resignation closes one chapter in the ÖAW's investigation, but questions remain about other members' ties to Epstein. Harvard's separate review of Nowak is still pending.
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