National Institute for Discovery Science

National Institute for Discovery Science
(NIDSci)

Industry	Science
Founded	1995
Defunct	2004
Headquarters	Las Vegas, Nevada
Key people	Robert Bigelow, Colm Kelleher, Eric Davis

The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) was a privately funded research organization that focused on the scientific study of phenomena at the edge of current scientific understanding. Founded in 1995 by Las Vegas businessman Robert Bigelow, who had a longstanding interest in paranormal phenomena and space exploration, NIDS aimed to rigorously investigate and understand a wide array of unexplained phenomena.

Key Areas of Focus

NIDS concentrated on several key areas, including but not limited to:

• Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs)/Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) Investigating sightings and reports of unexplained aerial objects.
• Animal Mutilations Researching instances of unexplained animal deaths characterized by precise surgical-like incisions, which were not attributable to known predators or natural causes.
• Paranormal and Anomalous Phenomena Exploring incidents that defy conventional scientific explanations, including hauntings, crop circles, and other paranormal events.

Methodology

NIDS approached its investigations with an emphasis on scientific rigor, employing a multidisciplinary team of scientists and researchers from various fields, including physics, biology, and anthropology. The institute aimed to collect empirical data, conduct field investigations, and publish findings in an effort to bring a credible scientific perspective to phenomena often relegated to the fringes of mainstream science.

People

The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) employed a multidisciplinary team of scientists and researchers from various fields to investigate a wide range of unexplained phenomena. While specific names of all the individuals who worked for NIDS are not widely publicized due to the private nature of the organization, some key figures and types of professionals involved with NIDS have been known to the public. These include experts in biology, physics, anthropology, and veterinary medicine, among others, who brought their expertise to bear on the investigation of phenomena that fell outside the scope of mainstream scientific inquiry. Notable Figures:

• Colm Kelleher, a biochemist, served as the Deputy Administrator of NIDS. Kelleher played a significant role in the organization's research activities and was one of the most public figures associated with its work. He is also the author of "Hunt for the Skinwalker," a book that details the investigations conducted by NIDS at Skinwalker Ranch, providing insight into the range of phenomena observed and the scientific challenges faced in attempting to study them.

• Eric Davis, a physicist known for his work on advanced propulsion systems and the study of UFOs/UAPs, has been associated with NIDS. Davis has been involved in research related to the theoretical possibilities of faster-than-light travel and has been a vocal advocate for the serious scientific study of UAPs.

Notable Investigations

One of the most famous investigations undertaken by NIDS was its extensive research at Skinwalker Ranch, a property in northeastern Utah that reportedly exhibited a wide range of unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, cryptid appearances, and poltergeist activity. The ranch became a focal point for NIDS' efforts to document and analyze paranormal activity systematically. The National Institute for Discovery Science 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.

Legacy and Closure

NIDS made several contributions to the field of anomalous research, providing a platform for serious scientific exploration of phenomena that are often dismissed by the scientific community. Despite its efforts to maintain high research standards, the organization faced criticism and skepticism, both for its focus areas and for the inconclusive nature of much of its research.

The institute significantly scaled back its operations in the early 2000s and eventually ceased active investigation. However, its legacy continues in the ongoing public and scientific interest in unexplained phenomena and in subsequent research initiatives inspired by NIDS' pioneering work. The closure of NIDS did not mark the end of Robert Bigelow's interest in these subjects; he has continued to support research into consciousness and the potential for human life beyond death through other initiatives.