Benedict H. Gross

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Benedict H. Gross is a Harvard Mathematics professor who played a significant role in facilitating Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with Harvard University. As Math Department Chair and co-proposer of the Program for Evolutionary Dynamics (PED), Gross was instrumental in establishing the program with Epstein's financial support in 2003. After Epstein's 2008 conviction for solicitation of prostitution with a minor, Gross actively advocated for continuing to accept donations from Epstein, arguing that the benefits to Professor Martin Nowak's research outweighed reputational risks. He maintained ongoing communications with Epstein and other Harvard administrators about sustaining the donor relationship, facilitating Epstein's access to campus facilities and Harvard faculty for over a decade after conviction. Gross's actions exemplify Harvard's institutional complicity in leveraging Epstein's wealth despite his criminal status as a convicted sex offender.