The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) is a UK-based learned society and research charity dedicated to the scientific investigation of alleged paranormal and anomalous phenomena. Established on 10 June 1981 by members of the Society for Psychical Research, the ASSAP aims to approach the subject holistically rather than focusing on the psychology of individual phenomena. The organization provides training for investigators and offers research grants. Notably, ASSAP has been recognized for its refusal to accept populist explanations for ghosts, emphasizing the recording of experiences over phenomena. This approach has garnered cautious praise from skeptics.
The organization’s investigative process includes a phase to detect obvious fraud, which is kept confidential from the public. Over the years, ASSAP has been involved in various activities, including the study of crop circles and hosting conferences on Ufology. They also publish the annual peer-reviewed journal “Anomaly” and a bi-annual magazine for their members.
History
The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) was founded on 10 June 1981. The inception of ASSAP was spearheaded by council members of the Society for Psychical Research who were considered modernizers. These founding members included notable figures such as Hilary Evans and Jenny Randles, both of whom were well-known authors in the field. Other key founders included Bob Rickard, the editor of Fortean Times, Vernon Harrison, and Hugh Pincott, who had previously held positions as secretary and treasurer of the Society for Psychical Research.
Over the years, ASSAP has been actively involved in various research endeavors. For instance, they had sub-committees like the Circles Research Program, which was dedicated to investigating the phenomenon of crop circles. In the 1990s, the organization was particularly active, holding an average of 1,000 investigations annually.
The ASSAP has also been involved in various events and conferences. For example, in the 2010s, they hosted events such as the “Summit on the Future of Ufology” to discuss potential crises in the UFO research community and recent sightings. They also organized a similar conference at the University of Worcester and previously hosted the Paranormal Olympics at the University of London.
Another significant initiative by ASSAP was Project Albion, launched in 2006. This project aimed to create a comprehensive database with the goal of recording every Fortean event in the UK.
Structure and Organization
The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) is a UK-based organization committed to the scientific exploration of paranormal and anomalous events. Its structure and organization are designed to ensure rigorous research, public engagement, and the dissemination of findings.
- Membership: ASSAP is open to anyone interested in the scientific study of anomalous phenomena. Members are offered various benefits, including access to training, research grants, and publications.
- Publications: ASSAP publishes the annual peer-reviewed journal “Anomaly,” which serves as a platform for researchers to share their findings, theories, and insights. Additionally, they release a bi-annual magazine for their members, providing updates on the organization’s activities and recent developments in the field.
- Sub-Committees: Over the years, ASSAP has established sub-committees dedicated to specific research areas. For instance, the Circles Research Program focused on investigating the phenomenon of crop circles.
- Training and Grants: ASSAP provides training for investigators, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct thorough research. The organization also offers research grants to support and encourage in-depth studies in the field.
- Events and Conferences: ASSAP organizes various events, conferences, and seminars, bringing together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts. These events facilitate discussions, debates, and the exchange of ideas, furthering the organization’s mission.
Functions and Operations
The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) operates with a focus on the scientific exploration of paranormal and anomalous events. Its primary functions and operations include:
- Research: ASSAP promotes rigorous scientific research into anomalous phenomena, ensuring that investigations are thorough and evidence-based.
- Training: The organization provides training sessions for investigators, equipping them with the necessary skills to conduct research in the field.
- Publications: ASSAP publishes “Anomaly,” an annual peer-reviewed journal, and a bi-annual magazine for members, disseminating research findings and updates on the organization’s activities.
- Grants: ASSAP offers research grants to support in-depth studies in the realm of anomalous phenomena.
- Events: The organization hosts various conferences, seminars, and events, fostering discussions, debates, and knowledge exchange among experts, researchers, and enthusiasts.
Controversy
The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) has been recognized for its unique approach to investigating paranormal phenomena, which has garnered both praise and skepticism. Some key points of contention include:
- Populist Explanations for Ghosts: ASSAP’s refusal to accept common or populist explanations for ghostly phenomena has been a point of debate. Instead of focusing on the phenomena themselves, the organization emphasizes recording experiences, which has earned cautious praise from skeptics.
- Fraud Detection: The initial part of ASSAP’s investigative process, designed to detect obvious fraud, is kept confidential from the public. This secrecy might raise questions about transparency and the organization’s methods.
- Ghost Photography: ASSAP has acknowledged the existence of fake ghost photography, especially with the advent of smartphone apps designed to create ghostly images. While the organization still analyzes ghostly photographs, it ceased studying smartphone pictures in 2011 due to the proliferation of apps for faking ghostly figures. They have sought public assistance in cataloging known fake images for smartphones, emphasizing the importance of discerning genuine phenomena from fabricated ones.
- Ufology Summit: In 2013, ASSAP staged a “Summit on the Future of Ufology,” suggesting a potential crisis in the UFO research community. Such events highlight the organization’s proactive approach to addressing challenges and controversies in the field.
Impact on Ufology
The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) has been instrumental in shaping the discourse around Ufology in the UK and beyond. Here’s a look at its impact:
- Promotion of Scientific Inquiry: ASSAP’s commitment to a scientific approach has influenced Ufology by emphasizing evidence-based research over anecdotal or unverified claims. This has contributed to a more rigorous and credible examination of UFO sightings and encounters.
- Ufology Summit: In 2013, ASSAP organized a “Summit on the Future of Ufology,” addressing potential challenges in the UFO research community and discussing recent sightings. Such events underscore the organization’s proactive stance in addressing the evolving landscape of Ufology, fostering dialogue and collaboration among researchers.
- Challenging Popular Narratives: ASSAP’s skepticism towards populist explanations has encouraged a more nuanced understanding of UFO phenomena. By questioning widely accepted beliefs and narratives, the organization has pushed for a deeper, more comprehensive exploration of unidentified flying objects.
- Public Engagement: Through its events, publications, and training sessions, ASSAP has played a role in educating the public about UFO phenomena. Their efforts have contributed to a more informed and discerning audience, capable of differentiating between genuine sightings and potential hoaxes.
- Collaborative Approach: ASSAP’s engagement with other organizations and researchers has fostered a collaborative environment in Ufology. By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, the organization has facilitated a more holistic understanding of UFOs.
Conclusion
The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) has significantly influenced Ufology through its commitment to scientific rigor, public engagement, and collaboration. By promoting evidence-based research, challenging popular narratives, and fostering dialogue within the UFO research community, ASSAP has played a pivotal role in steering Ufology towards a more credible and comprehensive direction.