National Institute for Discovery Science
 | |
| Founded | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Website | http://www.nidsci.org/discovery-science/ |
| Footnotes / references website contains NIDSCI PDFs and other files | |
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] 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."[2] NIDSci was disbanded in October 2004.
History
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. 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]
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.[2]
See also
References
- ^ Dorio Mark (2005) "Ufology: A Very Short Introduction", Trafford Publishing, ISBN 1-4120-6473-2
- ^ 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.
- ^ David, Leonard. "Investigation Casts Light on Mysterious Flying Black Triangle". www.space.com. Retrieved 2007-06-30.
- ^ 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.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Whiting, Lezlee E. "Mysteries of UFO ranch in spotlight". Deseret News. Retrieved 2007-06-30.
External links
- NIDSci Official Website directory (contains institute's PDFs and other info)
- 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
