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National Institute for Discovery Science

Independent anomaly research organization

The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDSci) was a privately financed research organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., 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. Deputy Administrator Colm Kelleher was quoted as saying the organization was not designed to study UFOs only.2 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1995Founded1

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The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDSci) was a privately financed research organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., 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. 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." NIDSci was disbanded in October 2004.2

The story

The National Institute for Discovery Science, known also as NIDS, was founded by Robert Bigelow to support the scientific study of paranormal phenomena. The NIDS performed research in the areas of cattle mutilation and black triangle reports.

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.

A hotline was established in 1999 to receive reports of odd occurrences. Over 5,000 reports were submitted via phone and email to the organization. Officials say many were explained as missile test launches and meteors.

From Wikipedia’s article on National Institute for Discovery Science, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3

Timeline

  1. 2004Dissolved Dissolved1
  2. 1995Founded Founded1

Sources

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