Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrial Studies

Background

The Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrial Studies (IFEX) at the University of Würzburg, Germany, is an academic institution focused on the scientific study of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), formerly UFOs, among other extraterrestrial research.

• Established prior to 2022
• Operates as a university-based center
• Led by Professor Hakan Kayal of Space Technology

UAP Involvement

IFEX engages in key activities related to UAP research and monitoring.

• Developing a UAP Reporting Center for pilots to submit sightings systematically
• Cooperating with the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt) since July 2025 for airspace anomaly research
• Hosting workshops like the IFEX UAP Workshop 2024 with international experts
• Planning tools such as AllSkyCAM for automated UAP monitoring and database integration for images/videos

Key Contributions

IFEX has notable achievements in partnerships and global discourse.

• Partnerships with civilian groups like the Society for UAP Studies (GEP), associated since 2022
• Contributions to global UAP discourse
• Advancing data-driven, stigma-free scientific inquiry into UAP for security and knowledge gains

Significance

IFEX remains active in promoting scientific investigation of UAP.