---
category: Private Organization
end: 2004
location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
start: 1995
summary: The National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) was a privately funded
  research organization founded by billionaire Robert Bigelow in 1995.
tags:
- Organization
- UAP
- Paranormal
- RobertBigelow
---

The [National Institute for Discovery Science](/organizations/national-institute-for-discovery-science/) (NIDS) was a privately funded research organization founded by billionaire [Robert Bigelow](/people/robert-bigelow/) in 1995. The organization was dedicated to the scientific study of [Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena](/concepts/unidentified-anomalous-phenomena/) (UAP) and other paranormal phenomena.[^1]

### Research and Investigations

NIDS conducted research into a wide range of anomalous phenomena, including UAP sightings, cattle mutilations, and other paranormal events. The organization was known for its scientific approach to these topics, and it employed a team of scientists and researchers to investigate cases and analyze data.[^1]

One of the most well-known projects undertaken by NIDS was the investigation of [Skinwalker Ranch](/places/skinwalker-ranch/), a property in Utah with a long history of strange and often terrifying phenomena. NIDS conducted a multi-year investigation of the ranch, documenting a wide range of anomalous activity.[^1]

### Connection to AATIP

The work of NIDS was a precursor to the research conducted by the [Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program](/programs/advanced-aerospace-threat-identification-program/) (AATIP). When [Robert Bigelow](/people/robert-bigelow/)'s company, [Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies](/organizations/bigelow-aerospace-advanced-space-studies/) (BAASS), was awarded the contract for the AATIP program, the research that had been started by NIDS was continued and expanded upon under the auspices of the government program.[^1]

[^1]: Elizondo, Luis. *Imminent*. William Morrow, 2024.