National Institute for Discovery Science

Not to be confused with Discovery Institute.

National Institute for Discovery Science
(NIDSci)

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.

NIDSci was disbanded in October 2004.

History

The National Institute for Discovery Science was founded by Robert Bigelow as a way to channel funds into the purportedly scientific study of paranormal phenomena. They have done research into the area of cattle mutilation and also became the FAA's sole recipient for black triangle reports.^[vague] 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]

NIDSci 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.^{[citation needed][vague]} Officials say many are explained as missile test launches and meteors.^[2]

See also

• Bigelow Aerospace
• Aerial Phenomena Enquiry Network

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". UFO Evidence. http://www.ufoevidence.org/documents/doc1200.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-30. 
3. ^ David, Leonard. "Investigation Casts Light on Mysterious Flying Black Triangle". www.space.com. http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/black_triangle_020805.html. Retrieved 2007-06-30. 
4. ^ Knapp, George. "Las Vegas Based Scientists Study Skinwalker Ranch". Channel 8 Eyewitness News. http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4275629. Retrieved 2007-06-30. 
5. ^ Whiting, Lezlee E.. "Mysteries of UFO ranch in spotlight". Deseret News. http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635201708,00.html. Retrieved 2007-06-30. 

External links

• NIDSci Official Website (static image of NIDSci logo, no text or hyperlinks)
• NIDSci's Official Website WayBackMachine (Set at October 7, 2007. Articles still available for download)
• 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