I initially thought that some of the more famous academics mentioned or associating with Epstein were due to philanthropic reasons, as Epstein funded a lot of Harvard scientists (i.e., if some random rich benefactor said they wanted to independently fund someone's research, most academics would jump on the chance, as they don't have to spend time writing lengthy grant proposals in a highly competitive funding environment). But it turns out it is far more pernicious. For example, it has long been known that Epstein funded Martin Nowak, a mathematical biologist who did some interesting work on evolutionary theory. But if you google Martin Nowak and Epstein, it is just very creepy and weird!