A 1990s Penn State physics initiative was linked to a gift associated with Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report published Thursday by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Inquirer found that Epstein’s name appeared on documents tied to a 1990s grant connected to Penn State’s loop quantum gravity research program, which was led by then-physics professor Lee Smolin.

According to the report, Epstein had previously claimed to support a “Quantum Gravity Program” at the University of Pennsylvania. However, after reviewing records and speaking with university officials, the Inquirer found no evidence that the program existed at Penn. Instead, Penn State confirmed Epstein’s name appeared on paperwork related to a foundation gift supporting physics research at the university.

A Penn State spokesperson told the Inquirer that the university reviewed its grants database at the newspaper’s request and verified Epstein’s name was listed on documentation related to the gift. Research documents from 1999 indicate Smolin’s quantum gravity research received funding from the Jesse Philips Foundation.

Olaf Dreyer, a German theoretical physicist who studied at Penn State during that time, told the Inquirer that Smolin had “procured funding from Epstein for the Penn State program.” Dreyer also said Smolin maintained connections to Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.

The total amount of funding connected to the gift remains unclear.

Onward State has reached out to Penn State for additional comments.