Expanding Frontiers Research (EFR) is committed to sharing information and resources that most effectively embody best research practices. We conduct and publish research on a wide range of topics and take a multi-tiered approach to providing the public credible information. This approach includes both compiling original research as well as archiving historic material.
This inherently means that EFR values standards of evidence recognized by the professional research community. This does not mean the organization or its supporters are opposed to exploring maverick science or fascinating possibilities, but that those possibilities must be subjected to rigorous examination to advance from conjecture to fact. Likewise, there are certain definitions that apply to select terms and those definitions should not be lost in ambiguous and obtuse framing for reasons that have traditionally included insincere efforts to gain otherwise unearned credibility and prestige.
For instance, bad actors have long tried to hijack the term “scientific research” in order to deceive the masses. In reality, it takes more than credentials and rhetoric to qualify any given activity as a scientific endeavor. Actual scientific research might, by definition, include stated goals, methodologies, plans for how progress is measured, and progress reports, among other dynamics. It is a systematic process that should have minimal ambiguity and maximum transparency and accountability. If an individual or organization claims to be conducting scientific investigation, they should be accountable for adhering to universally recognized protocols.
Research does not have to be scientific to be of value. Journalists and many types of investigators conduct fact-finding activities of merit that are not scientific. It should be noted whether or not the activities are claimed to be scientific, and the extent standards of evidence are valued.
EFR Director Erica Lukes regularly interviews individuals who express values and vision with which we share. Among those individuals is Paul Carr of Aerial Phenomena Investigations, a Washington, DC-based UFO investigation group that takes a grounded and sober approach to its work.
Aerial Phenomena Investigations posts and adheres to policies on ethics and witness confidentiality. The organization's website gives visitors access to API reports, UFO investigation training videos, and similar useful resources.
Erica Lukes recently had a discussion with researcher Leah Prime, who described what it means to be a good steward in ufology. This includes changing opinions based on provision of evidence, she explained, and, importantly, being willing to do so publicly when applicable:
Vanessa Walilko is a popular podcaster with a diverse range of interests. Her achievements include published academic research and promoting inclusion among often marginalized populations. Erica Lukes and she discussed such topics as questionable origins of modern UFO research, tendencies to avert from salient issues in lieu of sensational stories, and differentiating between personal attacks and otherwise reasonable criticism of assertions put forth:
Barry Greenwood is a researcher, an author, and recognized as a foremost leading archivist on UFO and related material. He has contributed material to many books, articles, and films. Greenwood is also a member of the EFR Board of Directors. He and Erica Lukes discussed archiving:
We at Expanding Frontiers Research hope you find our contributions and efforts to be worthwhile. Your interest is appreciated, and we look forward to ongoing work and rewarding collaborations.
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