NIDS Founded by Robert Bigelow
Real estate mogul Robert Bigelow founded the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) in Las Vegas with a prestigious scientific advisory board including Puthoff, Vallée, Alexander, and Kelleher. In 1996, Bigelow purchased Skinwalker Ranch through NIDS.
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Background
In 1995, real estate mogul Robert Bigelow founded the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, establishing a pioneering organization dedicated to systematic investigation of unexplained phenomena.
Formation and Leadership
NIDS assembled a prestigious scientific advisory board featuring prominent researchers:
- Harold Puthoff
- Jacques Vallée
- John Alexander
- Colm Kelleher
- John Mack (Harvard psychiatrist)
Skinwalker Ranch Acquisition
In 1996, Bigelow purchased Skinwalker Ranch in Utah through NIDS. The organization began systematic investigations of UAP and paranormal phenomena at the property.
Research and Database Development
NIDS operated until approximately 2004 and built the first comprehensive UAP database containing 1,570 cases. This foundational dataset later formed the basis of the CAPELLA Data Warehouse under the AAWSAP/BAASS programs.