October 27, 2017 – The Scientific Coalition for Ufology (SCU) is formally launching today, and hopes to bring the discipline and rigor of scientific analysis to the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), also known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). A group of scientists, former military and law enforcement officials and other professionals, many of whom have decades of experience looking into UAPs, believe there are many unanswered questions, and that a serious examination is warranted.

“SCU is composed of serious, dedicated, researchers who do not merely gloss over this subject, but rather they dive into it, investigate it broadly, remain objective and apply the scientific method and its principles to the study,” explained SCU board member Rich Hoffman. “We seek to have formal peer reviewed works being printed in journals, not tabloids.”

Hoffman is an IT professional and a senior engineer at U.S. Army Materiel Command. He has been researching UAPs since 1964.

Fellow board member Robert Powell explains why he feels an organization such as the SCU is necessary: “It is important that there exists a scientific organization that examines the UFO phenomenon in a scientific and open minded manner. There is too much silliness associated with this topic when the core reality of the phenomenon has potentially real implications for society. An organization that can be trusted to provide the media with an impartial and scientific view of the phenomenon is needed.”

Robert Powell presenting at the International UFO Congress. (Credit: International UFO Congress)

Powell is retired from a career as a research and development lab and engineering manager. For several years he served as the director of research and chair of the scientific board for an international volunteer UFO research organization.

Powell adds, “Ultimately we want to determine whether intelligent life exists elsewhere and whether it has visited our planet. We want scientists and investigators involved with our organization in as many varied fields as possible to affiliate with us in a common objective to scientifically study the UFO phenomenon.”

The SCU was first brought together as an impromptu group of researchers organized to examine a mysterious video captured by Homeland Security over Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The group spent months looking into the technical aspects of the video and researching its provenance. In the end, it remains a controversial case, and one which the group could not solve. The video and the 162-page analysis of the case can be found at the SCU website, ExploreSCU.org.

They continue to examine this case, and felt it would be helpful to bring in more professionals to put the same level of scrutiny to bear on other UFO cases, and to facilitate peer review of research papers on the topic.

“Our hope is that other scientists and professionals who also have a desire that may be developing, or has laid dormant, will connect with us, become an affiliate, and lend us their intellect and their interest in finding the best approach to the scientific study of this phenomenon,” says Hoffman. “Our desire is to build a worldwide coalition that will give us the answers we have long been seeking. What is the nature of the phenomena we call UFOs?”

A still image from the video captured over Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Headlines have been ablaze lately with the news of the creation of a similar effort by rocker Tom DeLonge, formerly of the band Blink-182. The SCU has already made inroads with that organization and others around the world in an effort to coalesce serious research of UAPs.

As for what sets the SCU apart from other organizations, board member Alejandro Rojas says, “Although we do not have a rock star in our group, the SCU is made-up of rock stars in the UFO research field.”

Besides reaching out to DeLonge’s To The Stars Academy, the SCU has created relationships with other credible organizations, including the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), which was created by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, consultant to the U.S. Air Force’s official UFO studies from 1947 to 1969.

“Our team of scientists and professionals is growing,” says Hoffman. “We believe that the minds we bring together can help us solve the mystery. We have already put to use the team approach to study the Aguadilla, Puerto Rico case and are applying this in our study of a luminous phenomenon in Cloverdale, Alabama. It is through the reach-back to qualified scientists and professionals that we aim to do a better job of actually studying this phenomenon scientifically.”

———

About the Scientific Coalition for Ufology

Mission abstract: To conduct, promote and encourage rigorous scientific examination of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

To fully utilize scientific principles, methodologies and practices in the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon observed and reported around the globe. We provide scientific case analysis support to witness cases, other scientific organizations, and government entities who are looking for the certitude of facts to this phenomenon.

We seek to share credible data with the public, the media, the government, and scientific institutions, so we can further our understanding of this enigmatic phenomenon.

The Scientific Coalition for Ufology (SCU) is a think tank of scientists, researchers and professionals stretching across organizations, governments and industries to scientifically and publicly explore unknown anomalous phenomena known around the world as UFOs, USOs, UAPs, OVNIs, etc.

SCU performs research and scientific studies concerning evidentiary, military, technological, and cultural effects of unknown phenomena around the world. We must take the first step to objectively understand the phenomena without bias or prejudice.

Contributors within SCU include individuals from organizations around the world in the UFO/UAP field, militaries, governments, private industry and media. Every case SCU conducts is presented objectively and scientifically to the public through peer review. All contributors are appointed based on professional and educational background, no membership exists, no dues are collected. All work within SCU is conducted under strong guidelines and standards.

For more about the Scientific Coalition for UFOs, visit: ExploreSCU.org.

Source: Open Minds