# National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) ## Overview The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) was a privately funded scientific research organization established by [[👤 Robert Bigelow]] in 1995. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, NIDS conducted research into various anomalous phenomena, with a particular focus on UAP and the investigation of [[📜 Skinwalker Ranch]]. The organization was notable for its rigorous scientific approach and employment of credentialed scientists. ## Basic Information - **Type**: Private Research Organization - **Status**: Defunct (2004) - **Founder**: [[👤 Robert Bigelow]] - **Location**: Las Vegas, Nevada - **Years Active**: 1995-2004 - **Budget**: Privately funded by Bigelow - **Classification**: Private research institute ## Key Personnel ### Leadership - [[👤 Robert Bigelow]] - Founder and President - [[👤 Colm Kelleher]] - Deputy Administrator - [[👤 John Alexander]] - Board Member ### Scientific Staff - [[👤 Harold E. Puthoff]] - Scientific Advisory Board - [[👤 Jacques Vallee]] - Scientific Advisory Board - Multiple PhD-level researchers - Field investigators - Analysis teams ## History ### Formation (1995) - Founded by Robert Bigelow - Assembled scientific advisory board - Established research protocols - Built research facilities ### Key Periods 1. Early Years (1995-1996) - Organization establishment - Team assembly - Protocol development 2. Skinwalker Ranch (1996-2004) - Purchase of [[📜 Skinwalker Ranch]] - Intensive on-site research - Multiple phenomenon documentation 3. Dissolution (2004) - Research conclusion - Data archival - Transition to other projects ## Activities and Research ### Primary Focus Areas 1. UAP Research - Field investigations - Data collection - Pattern analysis - Witness interviews 2. Paranormal Phenomena - [[📜 Skinwalker Ranch]] studies - Poltergeist activity - Cryptozoology - Electromagnetic anomalies 3. Scientific Analysis - Laboratory studies - Environmental monitoring - Physical evidence examination - Statistical analysis ### Research Methods - Scientific protocols - Field investigations - Laboratory analysis - Witness interviews - Environmental monitoring - Physical evidence collection - Data analysis ### Key Locations - Las Vegas headquarters - [[📜 Skinwalker Ranch]] - Multiple investigation sites - Laboratory facilities ## Significant Findings ### Technical Research - UAP documentation - Environmental anomalies - Physical evidence analysis - Electromagnetic studies - Biological effects research ### Documentation - Scientific papers - Technical reports - Field investigations - Analysis documents - Witness testimonies ### Notable Cases - [[📜 Skinwalker Ranch]] phenomena - Black triangle UAP reports - Cattle mutilation studies - Electromagnetic anomalies - Physical trace cases ## Legacy and Impact ### Scientific Contributions - Research methodologies - Investigation protocols - Data collection standards - Analysis techniques - Documentation procedures ### Influence on Later Programs - Preceded [[🏛️ BAASS]] - Influenced [[🏛️ AAWSAP]] - Research methods adopted - Protocol standards ### Public Impact - Increased scientific credibility - Professional methodology - Public awareness - Research standards ## Related Programs - [[🏛️ BAASS]] (Successor organization) - [[🏛️ AAWSAP]] (Later government program) - [[🏛️ AATIP]] (Related program) ## Documentation ### Published Research - Technical reports - Scientific papers - Field studies - Analysis documents - Case studies ### Media Coverage - News reports - Documentary features - Books and publications - Scientific journals ## Current Status ### Legacy - Research data preserved - Methodologies adopted - Influence continues - Historical significance ### Information Access - Some public documents - Archived materials - Continued research value - Historical documentation ## Notes - First major private scientific UAP research organization - Pioneered scientific methodology in field - Employed credentialed scientists - Comprehensive documentation - Multi-disciplinary approach - Significant historical impact - Influenced later programs - Professional standards ## Related Research - [[🔭 UAP Phenomenon]] - [[📜 Skinwalker Ranch]] - [[🔭 Advanced Propulsion Theory]]