Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens

Background

The Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP e.V.), or Society for Research into the UFO Phenomenon, is a non-profit civilian citizen science organization founded in 1972 in Germany.

• Based in Lüdenscheid, it is the largest UAP research group in the country.
• Serves as a key contact for sighting reports and inquiries on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)/UFOs.
• Currently active, maintaining transparency through standardized case studies and public annual reports.

UAP Involvement

GEP focuses on investigating UAP/UFO reports as its core mission.

• Investigated over 5,500 cases to date.
• In 2024, investigated 333 reports, noting a slight decline despite media attention.
• Adheres to principles of honest scientific practice.

Key Contributions

GEP publishes research and collaborates with other organizations.

• Publishes the bimonthly Journal für UFO-Forschung (jufof) since 1980 with case documentations and articles.
• Collaborations with other German UAP groups, EuroUFO.
• Associated membership since 2022 with the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrial Studies (IFEX) at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg.

Significance

GEP plays a central role in German UAP research.

• Largest UAP research group in Germany.
• Key contact point for public reports.
• Committed to scientific transparency and citizen science.