Martin Nowak

Background

Martin Andreas Nowak was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1965. He studied biochemistry and mathematics at the University of Vienna before completing his doctoral work there and conducting postdoctoral research at Oxford. He joined the Harvard faculty and became a professor of biology and mathematics.

Nowak’s research focuses on the mathematical modeling of evolutionary processes, including cooperation, altruism, cancer evolution, and the evolution of language. He is known for developing mathematical frameworks for understanding why cooperation can evolve despite natural selection pressures toward selfishness. His work has influenced fields from microbiology to economics to theology — Nowak is also known for his Catholic faith and interest in integrating scientific and religious perspectives.

He is the author of several influential books including Evolutionary Dynamics (2006) and SuperCooperators (2011).

Connection to Epstein

The connection between Nowak and Epstein centered on Harvard’s Program for Evolutionary Dynamics, which Epstein funded with approximately $6.5 million beginning in 2003, making him the principal funder. The PED was established with the explicit expectation of Epstein’s long-term financial support, which made Nowak’s program dependent on Epstein’s continued patronage.

Epstein had personal intellectual interests in evolutionary biology, population genetics, and related fields, and positioned himself as a patron of work at this intersection. Donors funding research programs at Harvard acquire institutional association and legitimacy; for Epstein, the PED connection was a significant part of his scientific credibility.

During the period when the PED was receiving Epstein funding, after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, the program continued to operate and accept his philanthropic support. This became a point of criticism when the full scope of Epstein’s crimes became public.

Aftermath

Nowak acknowledged the Epstein funding and expressed regret for the association in the aftermath of the 2019 revelations. He maintained that the research conducted through the PED was legitimate and independent, and that Nowak himself had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct.

Nowak continued his faculty position at Harvard, though the episode prompted internal Harvard discussions about the ethical obligations of researchers to assess the backgrounds of major donors, particularly those with known criminal histories. He continued publishing research in evolutionary biology and mathematical biology.