National Institute for Discovery Science

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National Institute for Discovery Science
(NIDSci)
Type
Founded
Headquarters
Website nidsci.org

The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDSci) was a privately financed research organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

It was founded in 1995 by real-estate developer Robert Bigelow, who set it up to research and advance serious study of various fringe science, and paranormal topics, most notably ufology. [1] Deputy Administrator Colm Kelleher, Ph.D. is quoted as saying the organization is not designed to study UFO's only. "We don't study aliens, we study anomalies. They're the same thing in a lot of people's minds, but not in our minds."[2]

NIDSci has at various times employed scientists such as Eric W. Davis, who has worked for NASA on topics related to the claims of Eugene Podkletnov and who has also worked for the Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin.

NIDSsci was disbanded in October 2004.

Contents

[edit] History

The National Institute for Discovery Science was founded by Robert Bigelow as a way to channel funds into the proper scientific study of paranormal phenomena. They have done extensive research into the area of cattle mutilation and also became the FAA's sole recipient for black triangle reports. In 2002, NIDS issued a report which said the black triangles were U.S. military prototype blimps, a finding agreed to by other experts but not confirmed by the military. [3]

Most famously they bought Skinwalker Ranch[4] [5], when the news started breaking about it in 1996, and Deputy Administrator Colm Kelleher led the investigation for a number of years. A hotline was established in 1999 to receive reports of odd occurrences. Over 5,000 calls and emails have come in to the organization. Officials say many are explained as missile test launches and meteors. Of those reports that have come in, several hundred remain unexplained. [2]

Due to their rather opaque nature, rumors have circulated (predominantly online) about the NIDSci. These largely revolve around their alleged connections with the military-industrial complex, with some even suggesting they are a CIA front organization. However, others, especially those in the UFO community, say they have proved a great help in funding investigations.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Dorio Mark (2005) "Ufology: A Very Short Introduction", Trafford Publishing, ISBN 1412064732
  2. ^ a b Mercer, Brandon M.. The UFO Hunters - Scientists at the National Institute for Discovery Science study anomalous phenomena (English). UFO Evidence. Retrieved on 2007-06-30.
  3. ^ David, Leonard. Investigation Casts Light on Mysterious Flying Black Triangle (English). www.space.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-30.
  4. ^ Knapp, George. Las Vegas Based Scientists Study Skinwalker Ranch (English). Channel 8 Eyewitness News. Retrieved on 2007-06-30.
  5. ^ Whiting, Lezlee E.. Mysteries of UFO ranch in spotlight (English). Deseret News. Retrieved on 2007-06-30.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links