Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena

Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena
Type Charity
Founded 10 June 1981
Headquarters United Kingdom
Website Official website

The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) is a United Kingdom-based education and research charity,[1] and professional body [2] whose mission is to scientifically investigate alleged paranormal and anomalous phenomena.

ASSAP's refusal to accept populist explanations for ghosts and its focus on recording of experience rather than phenomena has garnered cautious praise from skeptics [3].

History

The ASSAP was founded on 10 June 1981 by Council members of the Society for Psychical Research who were modernisers [4]; its current president is Lionel Fanthorpe. The previous president was Michael Bentine who had a long term interest in the subject of the paranormal[5].

Founding members included well known authors Hilary Evans and Jenny Randles as well as Fortean Times editor Bob Rickard, Dr Vernon Harrison and Dr Hugh Pincott (previously secretary and treasurer of the Society for Psychical Research) [6]

As of July 2008, its chairman was Dave Wood.[7]

Notes

  1. ^ Charity Commission website
  2. ^ The Morton Report website
  3. ^ Parnormal Investigator The Skeptics Dictionary
  4. ^ Fraser, J. (2010) Ghost Hunting: A Survivors Guide
  5. ^ Obituary for Michael Bentine, The Independent
  6. ^ Hope, V. & Townsend, M. (1999) The Paranormal Investigator's Handbook.
  7. ^ Fancy being a West ghostbuster?, Western Daily Press (Bristol UK); Jul 24, 2008

External links