National Institute for Discovery Science

Summary

The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDSci) was a privately financed research organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and operated from 1995 to 2004. 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][2] Deputy Administrator Colm Kelleher was quoted as saying the organization was not designed to study UFOs 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."[3] NIDSci was disbanded in October 2004.

National Institute for Discovery Science
(NIDSci)
Founded1995
Defunct2004
HeadquartersLas Vegas, Nevada
Footnotes / references
website contains NIDSCI PDFs and other files

History edit

The National Institute for Discovery Science, known also as NIDS, was founded by Robert Bigelow serving as a way to channel funds into the scientific study of paranormal phenomena. The NIDS performed research in the area of cattle mutilation and black triangle reports.[1]

The NIDSci bought Skinwalker Ranch after journalist George Knapp first wrote about it in 1996, and Deputy Administrator Colm Kelleher led the investigation for a number of years.[4][5]

A hotline was established in 1999 to receive reports of odd occurrences. Over 5,000 calls and e-mails were received by the organization.[citation needed][vague] Officials say many were explained as missile test launches and meteors.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Nevada Millionaire Buys ‘UFO Ranch’ in Utah Las Vegas Sun, October 23, 1996. Retrieved June 17, 2021
  2. ^ Dorio Mark (2005) "Ufology: A Very Short Introduction", Trafford Publishing, ISBN 1-4120-6473-2
  3. ^ a b Mercer, Brandon M. "The UFO Hunters - Scientists at the National Institute for Discovery Science study anomalous phenomena". UFO Evidence. Retrieved 2007-06-30.
  4. ^ Knapp, George. "Las Vegas Based Scientists Study Skinwalker Ranch". Channel 8 Eyewitness News. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-06-30.
  5. ^ Whiting, Lezlee E. "Mysteries of UFO ranch in spotlight". Deseret News. Retrieved 2007-06-30.

External links edit

  • Snapshot of NIDSci site at the Internet Archive (archived October 7, 2007)
  • NIDS - Robert Bigelow — a collection of news articles about the NIDS' early days
  • The UFO Hunters - Scientists at National Institute for Discovery Science study anomalous phenomena
  • Where the Steers and the Aliens Play an article by Sean Castel in Fate, August, 1998
  • The End of the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS)
  • Bigelow’s Aerospace and Saucer Emporium, Skeptical Inquirer 33.4, July/August 2009