Who is George Church and why does he appear in the Epstein files?

George Church is a renowned Harvard geneticist, pioneer of direct genomic sequencing, and co-developer of CRISPR gene editing technology. He appears extensively in the Epstein files because he had a sustained professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanning at least a decade. Scheduling records, emails, and medical documents show Church met with Epstein repeatedly at Harvard, in New York, and through phone calls. Church received $686,000 from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation between 2005 and 2007, and an additional $2 million from donors whom Epstein introduced. In 2019, Church publicly apologized for his continued association with Epstein, citing 'nerd tunnel vision.'

What do the documents reveal about Church's meetings with Epstein?

The documents reveal a pattern of regular, direct appointments between Church and Epstein from at least 2014 through 2016. These included in-person meetings at Martin Nowak's institute at Harvard, appointments in New York, and scheduled phone calls. Church frequently appeared alongside other prominent academics in Epstein's calendar, including Martin Nowak, Larry Summers, Joi Ito, Danny Hillis, and Noam Chomsky, suggesting he was part of a regular intellectual circle that Epstein cultivated. Emails also show Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff directly coordinating meetings with Church and arranging introductions to Church's lab colleagues.

What is the connection between George Church's genetics research and Epstein?

A medical document in the Epstein files discusses creating iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cell lines from Epstein's own fibroblast cells, noting that he would be 'one of very few people in the world to have this done' — just like George Church. This places Church's cutting-edge genetic research at the center of Epstein's well-documented interest in longevity science. Church's lab pioneered the use of CRISPR in human stem cells, and Epstein funded related genetic testing and longevity research. Church also ran Harvard's Personal Genome Project, which Epstein planned to fund. The relationship illustrates how Epstein used his wealth to gain access to the frontier of biotechnology research.

How much funding did George Church receive connected to Epstein?

According to Harvard's own investigation, Church received $686,000 directly from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation between 2005 and 2007. Additionally, donors whom Epstein introduced provided $2 million to support Church's research between 2010 and 2015. Harvard's report noted that none of those additional funds came directly from Epstein and no attempt was made to conceal the source. Church continued meeting with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to soliciting underage prostitution, a fact for which Church later publicly apologized.

Who is George Church and why does he appear in the Epstein files?

George Church is a renowned Harvard geneticist, pioneer of direct genomic sequencing, and co-developer of CRISPR gene editing technology. He appears extensively in the Epstein files because he had a sustained professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanning at least a decade. Scheduling records, emails, and medical documents show Church met with Epstein repeatedly at Harvard, in New York, and through phone calls. Church received $686,000 from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation between 2005 and 2007, and an additional $2 million from donors whom Epstein introduced. In 2019, Church publicly apologized for his continued association with Epstein, citing 'nerd tunnel vision.'

What do the documents reveal about Church's meetings with Epstein?

The documents reveal a pattern of regular, direct appointments between Church and Epstein from at least 2014 through 2016. These included in-person meetings at Martin Nowak's institute at Harvard, appointments in New York, and scheduled phone calls. Church frequently appeared alongside other prominent academics in Epstein's calendar, including Martin Nowak, Larry Summers, Joi Ito, Danny Hillis, and Noam Chomsky, suggesting he was part of a regular intellectual circle that Epstein cultivated. Emails also show Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff directly coordinating meetings with Church and arranging introductions to Church's lab colleagues.

What is the connection between George Church's genetics research and Epstein?

A medical document in the Epstein files discusses creating iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cell lines from Epstein's own fibroblast cells, noting that he would be 'one of very few people in the world to have this done' — just like George Church. This places Church's cutting-edge genetic research at the center of Epstein's well-documented interest in longevity science. Church's lab pioneered the use of CRISPR in human stem cells, and Epstein funded related genetic testing and longevity research. Church also ran Harvard's Personal Genome Project, which Epstein planned to fund. The relationship illustrates how Epstein used his wealth to gain access to the frontier of biotechnology research.

How much funding did George Church receive connected to Epstein?

According to Harvard's own investigation, Church received $686,000 directly from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation between 2005 and 2007. Additionally, donors whom Epstein introduced provided $2 million to support Church's research between 2010 and 2015. Harvard's report noted that none of those additional funds came directly from Epstein and no attempt was made to conceal the source. Church continued meeting with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to soliciting underage prostitution, a fact for which Church later publicly apologized.

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George Church

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American geneticist, molecular engineer, and professor at Harvard and MIT

George Church, a renowned Harvard geneticist and pioneer of CRISPR gene editing, had a well-documented professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein that included direct meetings, phone calls, email coordination through Lesley Groff, and received approximately $2 million in research funding from donors Epstein introduced, plus $686,000 from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation.

Church appears extensively in Epstein's scheduling records showing repeated in-person appointments at Harvard and in New York between at least 2014 and 2016, often alongside other academics like Martin Nowak, Larry Summers, and Joi Ito. Emails between Church's office and Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff show direct coordination of meetings, including introductions to Church's colleagues Luhan Yang and Geoff MacKay. A medical document references creating iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cell lines from Epstein's fibroblast cells, noting that Epstein, 'like George Church, would be one of very few people in the world to have this done.' Church publicly apologized in 2019 for his continued association with Epstein, attributing it to 'nerd tunnel vision.'

Key Highlights

•Scheduling records show at least a dozen direct appointments between Church and Epstein from 2014-2016, including meetings at Martin Nowak's institute, phone calls, and visits in both Cambridge and New York
•A medical document references iPS stem cell work being done for Epstein, comparing it to work done for George Church — placing Church at the center of Epstein's interest in cutting-edge genetic longevity research
•Emails show Lesley Groff coordinating meetings between Epstein and Church's lab associates, including Luhan Yang and Geoff MacKay, indicating Epstein had access to Church's broader research network
•Church received $686,000 from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation (2005-2007) and an additional $2 million from donors Epstein introduced, according to Harvard's own investigation
•Church appeared alongside a recurring circle of academics in Epstein's schedule — Martin Nowak, Joi Ito, Larry Summers, Danny Hillis, and Noam Chomsky — suggesting a regular intellectual salon

Frequently Asked Questions

Books for Further Reading

Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story

Julie K. Brown

Investigative journalism that broke the Epstein case open

Filthy Rich: The Jeffrey Epstein Story

James Patterson

Bestselling account of Epstein's crimes and network

Relentless Pursuit: My Fight for the Victims of Jeffrey Epstein

Bradley J. Edwards

Victims' attorney's firsthand account

Document Mentions (20 of 804)

EFTA00359229.pdf

EFTA00359229

2 mentions

From: ==l > To: "Dr. George Church" Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:35:46 +0000 ok, thanks...that is what I was thinking...thanks so much On Nov 5, 2014, at

I was thinking...thanks so much On Nov 5, 2014, at 9:33 AM, Meghan Radden < > wrote: > Yes, he is a vegan. • Meghan A. Radden > • Assistant to George Church and Fred Winston > Harvard Medical School > 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur > New Research Building > Boston, MA 02115 > email: > On Nov 5, 2014, at 7:

EFTA00284969.pdf

EFTA00284969

2 mentions

Conf. Code I ternational ial In: Leader Pin: Tues. Nov. 4, 2014 LSI Reminder: Election Day-You must be on the island so you can vote Reminder: George Church in NY for: Kavli Futures Symposium: The Novel Neurotechnology, Closing Keynote, Columbia University Corner Auditorium, Room 501, NYC. I'll be speak

3 TBD Arrive LSJ $aL Nov. 29.2014 LSJ Sun. Nov. 30, 2014 LS/-BOSTON 4:00pm Depart LSJ TBD Arrive Boston 8:00pm Dinner w/Joi Ito, Reid Hoffman, George Church, Martin Nowak and Larry Summers in Cambridge. Dinner to be held at Martin Nowak's office. Make sure a Dry Erase Board is available. Martin's 0 Jo

EFTA00472503.pdf

EFTA00472503

2 mentions

<MIMIII > Subject: RE: Jeffrey Epstein May 2! Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2018 14:44:47 +0000 Will do. Thanks Emma Taddeo I Administrative Coordinator to George Church Harvard Medical School I Department of Genetics 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, New Research Bldg (NRB) Rm. 238D Longwood Medical Areal Boston, MA 02115

most likely be traveling with Ting his wife would the invitation be extended to her? > Sincerely, > • Emma Taddeo I Administrative Coordinator to George Church > • Harvard Medical School I Department of Genetics > 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, New Research Bldg (NRB) Rm. 238D Longwood > Medical Areal Boston,

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EFTA00359223.pdf

EFTA00359223

2 mentions

my notes regarding dietary restrictions. I can always ask... On Oct 29, 2014, at 4:33 PM, Huang, May < wrote: that sounds delicious! as i recall George Church has some unusual dietary restrictions? Begin forwarded message: From: Subject: Re: Larry Summers Date: October 29, 2014 at 3:21:08 PM EDT To: "H

would like to have the dinner in your office at 8pm on Sun. Nov. 30th. The attendees will be: Jeffrey Martin Joi Ito Reid Hoffman Lany Summers George Church You will be able to arrange the dinner and a dry erase board? On Oct 28, 2014, at 11:08 AM, Nowak, Martin < wrote: perfect. how many people in to

EFTA00359374.pdf

EFTA00359374

2 mentions

notes regarding dietary restrictions. I can always ask... On Oct 29, 2014, at 4:33 PM, Huang, May < > wrote: that sounds delicious! as i recall George Church has some unusual dietary restrictions? Begin forwarded message: From: Subject: Re: Larry Summers Date: October 29, 2014 at 3:21:08 PM EDT To: "H

ould like to have the dinner in your office at 8pm on Sun. Nov. 30th. The attendees will be: Jeffrey Martin Joi Ito Reid Hoffman Larry Summers George Church You will be able to arrange the dinner and a dry erase board? On Oct 28, 2014, at 11:08 AM, Nowak, Martin < wrote: perfect. how many people in to

EFTA00359683.pdf

EFTA00359683

2 mentions

pes Subject: Re: Dinner NOV 30!! w/Jeffrey Epstein & Others in Cambridge? that would be fantastic.. Joi Ito is with MIT...you Know Martin Nowak and George Church...Reid Hoffman is brilliant entrepreneur...friends with Joi Ito and Jeffrey... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reid_Hoffman On Oct 27, 2014, at 3:36

at 11:15 AM, "Sarah Mapes" €. .> wrote: >> >> We will definitely check with him and let you know! Still the same attendees: Joi Ito, Reid Hoffman, George Church and Martin Nowak? >> >> Original Message » From: [mailto: >> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 10:16 AM >> To: Sarah Mapes >> Cc: Julie Shample

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EFTA00370783.pdf

EFTA00370783

2 mentions

Epstein <[email protected]> Subject: Re: George Church Date: April 21, 2014 11:46:57AM EDT To: Yes taxi On Monday, April 21, 2014, > wrote: George Church cannot come to Martin's institute tomorrow and is asking if you could meet him at his office at 5:45pm instead...takes 15-20 minutes via taxi to get

:57:26 +0000 He will go to George tomorrow and take a taxi! :) Begin forwarded message: From: Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> Subject: Re: George Church Date: April 21, 2014 11:46:57AM EDT To: Yes taxi On Monday, April 21, 2014, > wrote: George Church cannot come to Martin's institute tomorrow a

EFTA00411978.pdf

EFTA00411978

2 mentions

From: Lesley Groff <MIIMIlle To: Jeffrey Epstein CC [email protected]> Subject: George Church Date: Wed, 30 May 2012 17:15:46 +0000 Below from George Church re the Woody lunch on Sat. June 2nd: I would like to join, but III too busy. Georg

om: Lesley Groff <MIIMIlle To: Jeffrey Epstein CC [email protected]> Subject: George Church Date: Wed, 30 May 2012 17:15:46 +0000 Below from George Church re the Woody lunch on Sat. June 2nd: I would like to join, but III too busy. George: office EFTA00411978

EFTA00358161.pdf

EFTA00358161

2 mentions

From: a> To: "Dr. George Church" Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 15:13:27 +0000 yes...I want this taken care of myself! I have asked Jeffrey but will ask him a

tarting at noon on Wednesday and I would like to make sure this is on his calendar before I leave for break. > Meghan A. Radden > • Assistant to George Church and Fred Winston > Harvard Medical School > 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur > New Research Building > Boston, MA 02115 > email: > On Nov 5, 2014, at 9:

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EFTA00359210.pdf

EFTA00359210

2 mentions

Nov. 22 2014 LSJ Reminder: Jack Goldberger in apt.Nov. 22-29 Reminder: to arrive JFK at Sun. Nov. 23.2014 LSJ Mon. Nov. 24, 2014 LSJ Reminder: George Church in NY for: 92"d Street n "Homo Sa iens 2.0" Lexington avenue at 9.2"d Street, Buttenwieser Hall NYC. be speaking 8:15 pm. George cell: Reminder:

TBD Arrive LSJ Sat Nov. 29, 2014 LSJ Sun. Nov. 30, 2014 LS.1-BO.STON 4:00pm Depart LSI TBD Arrive Boston 8:00pm Dinner w/Joi Ito, Reid Hoffman, George Church, Martin Nowak and Larry Summers in Cambridge. Dinner to be held at Martin Nowak's office. Make sure a Dry Erase Board is available. Martin's Office

EFTA00359230.pdf

EFTA00359230

2 mentions

From: To: Martin Nowak Subject: Re: Larry Summers Date: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:36:28 +0000 ...and FYI! you are correct...George Church is Vegan! On Oct 29, 2014, at 4:57 PM, Huang, May < • wrote: i recall that he's vegan and also has some allergies. quick question: does Jeffrey

EFTA00359247.pdf

EFTA00359247

2 mentions

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EFTA00359378.pdf

EFTA00359378

2 mentions

EFTA00359405.pdf

EFTA00359405

2 mentions

ve the dinner in your office at 8pm on Sun. Nov. 30th. The attendees will be: Jeffrey Martin EFTA00359407 Joi Ito Reid Hoffman Larry Summers George Church You will be able to arrange the dinner and a dry erase board? On Oct 28, 2014, at 11:08 AM, Nowak, Martin < wrote: perfect. how many people in to

EFTA00285019.pdf

EFTA00285019

2 mentions

International Dial In: Conf. Code: Leader Pin: Tues. Nov. 4, 2014 LSI Reminder: Election Day-You must be on the island so you can vote Reminder: George Church in NY for: Kavli Futures Symposium: The Novel Neurotechnology, Closing Keynote, Columbia University Corner Auditorium, Room 501, NYC. I'll be speak

tin at his Institute (-) 8:00pm Dinner at Martin Nowak's office. Make sure a Dry Erase Board is available. Martin's 0 ce: Joi Ito: Reid Hoffman: George Church: Martin Nowak: Larry Summers: Danny Hillis: Josh Ramo: Joscha Bach: Reminder: It is Larry' IMMEDIATLEY AFTER THE DINNER: Meet w/Larty Summers

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EFTA00329744.pdf

EFTA00329744

2 mentions

From: Lesley Groff < To: "Dr. George Church" -4 Cc: Elinne Leifman , Luhan Yang < Geoff Mackay Subject: Re: Jeffrey EPstein Date: Tue, 02 Feb 2016 22:18:44 +0000 thank you George! I will

you George! I will take it from here with them! On Feb 2, 2016, at 5:12 PM, george church < wrote: Lesley, Pm Cc'ing Luhan and Geoff ----George George Church (Harvard, MIT, Broad, Wyss, PGP) arep.med.harvard.edurgmc NRB room 238, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston MA 02115 All appointments via From: Lesley

EFTA00371061.pdf

EFTA00371061

2 mentions

From: To: Subject: Re: George Church Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:38:20 +0000 Thanks Got it) And no any changes for today's schedule ? Right ? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 21, 2014, at

14 15:38:20 +0000 Thanks Got it) And no any changes for today's schedule ? Right ? Sent from my iPhone On Apr 21, 2014, at 11:29 AM, > wrote: George Church cannot come to Martin's institute tomorrow and is asking if you could meet him at his office at 5:45pm instead...takes 15-20 minutes via taxi to get

EFTA00371287.pdf

EFTA00371287

2 mentions

re (Dan I :20pm ...Need to confirm Square for lunch. Dan not available until 1:20pm 3:00pm Appt w/Dimitar Sasselov (MM) < 6:30pm TENTATIVE Appt w/George Church Meghan is assistant: Waiting to hear back! Wed. April 23, 2014 NY-BOSTON 2:00pm Appt w/Andy Strominger ( ) e 4:00pm Appt w/Dan Lieberman ( ) Ea

low ups... Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2014 21:55:25 +0000 Hi ....we are still trying to get the Harvard schedule together...open issues right now are: -Can George Church meet with JE on Tues. April 22 at 6:30pm? or can he meet morning of Wed. April 23? You will need to follow up with Meghan in George's office...I jus

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EFTA00358120.pdf

EFTA00358120

2 mentions

.I Sat Nov. 29, 2014 LSJ EFTA00358121 Sun. Nov. 30, 2014 LSJ-BOSTON 4:00pm Depart LSI TBD Arrive Boston 8:00pm Dinner w/Joi Ito, Reid Hoffman, George Church, Martin Nowak, Larry Summers and Danny Hillis in Cambridge. Dinner to be held at Martin Nowak's office. Make sure a Dry Erase Board is available. M

ckerman at Alert house! JOJO TO DRIVE YOU! 5:00pm Depart NY TBD Arrive LSJ Sun. Nov. 23.2014 LSJ Mon. Nov. 24 2014 LSJ EFTA00358120 Reminder: George Church in NY for: 92nd treet Tv "Homo a iens 2.0" iv be speaking 8:15 pm. George cell Reminder: in apt Nov 24-27 (arrival 9am, departure 10:30am) Rem

EFTA00333752.pdf

EFTA00333752

2 mentions

From: To: Jefffrey Epstein <[email protected]> Cc: Subject: George Church Date: Thu, 03 Dec 2015 21:45:56 +0000 George Church is available this Sat. and will meet you at 1pm at Martin's Institute! Sat Dec. 5, 2015 NY-CAMBRIDGE-STT TBD Depart NY (Misha Gromov to fly with Je

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Connected Entities(20 of 1,200)

Jeffrey Epstein