According to DOJ-released documents indexed by Epstein Exposed, Richard Axel appears in 0 case documents, and 1 email record in the Epstein files.
American molecular biologist and neuroscientist who won the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (with Linda Buck) for discoveries of odorant receptors and the organization of the olfactory system. A University Professor at Columbia University and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Axel maintained a social relationship with Epstein from the 1980s through at least 2017. In February 2026, he resigned as co-director of the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and from HHMI following revelations of his Epstein ties. RESIGNATION: On February 24, 2026, Axel resigned as co-director of Columbia University's Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, citing his association with Epstein as "a serious error in judgment." He also resigned as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator.
Axel was a frequent guest at Epstein's Manhattan home and maintained contact until three months before the 2019 arrest.
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Richard Axel is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Richard Axel is an American molecular biologist and Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine. He is affiliated with Columbia University, where his office is staffed by assistant Phyllis Kislof. In documents related to the Epstein case, he is described as 'the Nobel Prize winner in medicine.' His scientific work on olfactory receptors earned him wide recognition in the academic and scientific community.
Epstein Connection
Richard Axel maintained a social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanning at least from 2007 to 2017, as documented in numerous emails and scheduling records. He was a recurring dinner and lunch guest at Epstein's gatherings, often alongside other prominent intellectuals, scientists, and public figures. Axel communicated directly with Epstein via email, addressing him as 'Dear Jeffrey.' Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff coordinated meetings with Axel through his office assistant Phyllis Kislof at Columbia University. In a 2007 article published during Epstein's indictment in Florida, Axel publicly praised Epstein's intellect. As late as July 2017, Axel was still attending dinners arranged by Epstein.
Key Allegations(4)
Richard Axel maintained a years-long social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, attending dinners, lunches, and social gatherings from at least 2007 through 2017.
documentedAxel publicly praised Epstein's intelligence in a 2007 magazine article published while Epstein was under indictment for sex crimes, stating Epstein has 'the ability to make connections that other minds can't make.'
documentedEpstein sought to arrange for Axel and his wife to fly home from Aspen with Leon Black on Black's private transportation.
documentedAxel was invited to speak at Trinity School's morning assembly, apparently facilitated through Epstein's social circle involving the Dubins.
documentedLegal Status
Richard Axel appears in Epstein-related documents solely as a social contact and dinner guest. There are no allegations of wrongdoing against him in any of the provided documents.
Notable Statements(4)
“He has the ability to make connections that other minds can't make. He is extremely smart and probing. He can very quickly...”
“I am off to Sweden in a few hours. The dinner with Mort”
“Sorry I have opera tonight with guests. I would very much like to hear”
“Cod and I have decided to cancel our trip to Aspen. Sorry”
Contradictions(1)
Axel praised Epstein's intellectual capabilities in a 2007 article, implying a relationship based on genuine intellectual exchange.
Scheduling documents show Epstein's staff actively managed the relationship, coordinating Axel's availability through his office assistant, suggesting a managed social network rather than purely organic intellectual friendship. Epstein also supplied Axel's phone number directly to a journalist, using Axel as a character reference during his indictment.
Key Relationships(7)
Extensive email correspondence and social engagements spanning 2007-2017, including dinners, lunches, and planned trips to Aspen. Axel addressed Epstein as 'Dear Jeffrey' in emails. [efta-02553452, efta-02560295, efta-02589610, efta-02225069]
Lesley Groff, Epstein's assistant, coordinated scheduling with Axel through his Columbia office assistant Phyllis Kislof. [efta-02172653, efta-02561851, efta-02566165]
Attended dinners together hosted by Epstein, including a July 21, 2017 dinner with Woody Allen and Soon Yi. Epstein also sought to schedule both together. [efta-02225069, efta-01740280, efta-01739749]
Epstein asked if Axel and his wife could fly home from Aspen with Leon Black. Axel's breakfast with Leon Black noted in same scheduling document as a dinner with Axel. [efta-02590324, efta-02225069]
Axel referenced a 'dinner with Mort' in an email to Epstein, likely Mort Zuckerman, a known Epstein associate. [efta-02553452]
A Dubin family member wrote about having Richard Axel speak at Trinity School's morning assembly, suggesting a social connection through Epstein's circle. [efta-02559647]
Both listed together as possible meetings for Epstein, alongside Brian Eno. [efta-01740301]
Timeline(7 events)
Quoted in 'The Fantasist' magazine article praising Jeffrey Epstein's intellect, published while Epstein was under indictment in Palm Beach. Epstein had supplied Axel's phone number to the journalist.
Emailed Jeffrey Epstein about departing for Sweden and referencing a dinner with 'Mort.' Lesley Groff's office also coordinated related to Axel on this date.
Listed as dinner guest with Michael Wood and Jeffrey Epstein around September 14, 2012. Also listed at lunch on Sat. 14th with Sultan, Terje, and Epstein.
Declined an Epstein invitation due to prior opera engagement; emailed Epstein directly expressing regret.
Lesley Groff reported speaking with Phyllis in Axel's office regarding scheduling with Dr. Axel.
Emailed Epstein to cancel planned trip to Aspen with his wife ('Cod and I have decided to cancel our trip to Aspen').
Scheduled dinner with Woody Allen, Soon Yi, and Jeffrey Epstein in New York. Same day included breakfast with Leon Black.
At a Glance
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External Cross-Check
Search ICIJ Offshore Leaks, OFAC Sanctions, SEC EDGAR, and Federal Courts
Offshore Connections (2)
Cross-referenced against the ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database (814K+ entities from Panama Papers, Paradise Papers, Pandora Papers, and Bahamas Leaks). Matches are based on name similarity and do not imply wrongdoing.
RICH
Jurisdiction: AW
RICH
Jurisdiction: AW
Document Mentions
Email Mentions (1)
Schedule (4)
2011-09-24 to 2013-02-15 · 2 entries verified across multiple documents
Appointment with Dr. Richard Axel
LUNCH with Dr. Richard Axel
Lunch with Dr. Richard Axel
Afternoon tentative appointment with Dr. Richard Axel
This dossier on Richard Axel was compiled from court records, flight logs, and public documents. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.