1971 - Research Policy Agenda

Magazine Overview

This document comprises the minutes of a BUFORA Research Policy Meeting held on Saturday, 17th November 1971, at the home of the Chairman of BUFORA in Newcastle, Staffordshire. The meeting, which began at 2:45 p.m. and adjourned at 7:40 p.m., was attended by several key members of BUFORA and Interstellar Research (ISR). The primary objective was to establish a clear research policy for the association and to formulate proposals for its future direction.

Key Discussions and Decisions

Introduction and Policy Formulation

The Chairman, Roger Stanway, welcomed attendees and expressed hope for a new era in the association's history. The Vice Chairman, Lionel Beer, read relevant extracts from previous minutes. The meeting aimed to agree on research policy aspects and submit proposals to the BUFORA Committee. The Research Director, Anthony Pace, had previously sent out ninety letters inviting suggestions for research policy from members with technical qualifications.

Research Focus and Hypothesis

Stephen Smith proposed a working hypothesis to circumscribe the range of 'events' under Ufology. The Research Director suggested establishing a definite theory to account for observed characteristics, with 'advanced technologies' appearing as a likely candidate. The meeting agreed that BUFORA should investigate unidentifiable phenomena associated with advanced technologies or superior intelligences, commonly known as UFOs. They also agreed that other hypotheses should be formulated and that the definition of the UFO phenomenon was difficult, advising against becoming embroiled in semantics. Priority was to be given to 'landing' reports and 'close approaches,' with 'lights in the sky' being a low priority.

Personnel and Coordination

Tim O'Brien, National Investigations Co-ordinator, reported on his activities, including receiving press cuttings, despatching questionnaires (with a limited supply), and having a list of six evaluators. Stephen Smith summarized his pre-retirement activities, categorizing research material into 'Real Time' and 'Historical,' and possessing approximately eight hundred sighting report forms and a card index of UFO events. He offered to pass these records to his successor. It was decided that storage and retrieval methods for research material needed improvement, with the Interstellar Research Secretary agreeing to supply cost figures for microfilming.

Public Relations and Manpower

Peter Wain's proposal for improving BUFORA's public relations was discussed. The aims were to obtain more reports, gain respectability, attract sponsors, and potentially secure government grants. The meeting recommended appointing a Public Relations Officer. A second proposal by Peter Wain suggested a survey of existing members' application forms to create a reliable corps for handling paperwork and offering services. Examples of useful members included Peter Wain himself, who had contacts with The Sun newspaper, vans for transport, piloting skills for aerial photography, and facilities for meetings.

Directory of Consultants

The Research Director proposed compiling a directory of people in various fields of science and industry who could be contacted for expertise and facilities beyond BUFORA's resources. The meeting agreed to implement this and asked the Editor of the Journal to insert a request for names. Anthony Pace agreed to compile the directory and utilize the expertise offered. Members were also earnestly requested to write to the Research Director if they were prepared to act as consultants or advisors in UFO investigation or administration, or to propose others who could provide such assistance.

Interstellar Research (ISR) Skywatches

David Viewing summarized ISR's activities, noting it was formed in summer 1971 and focuses on extraterrestrial concepts of the UFO phenomenon, monitoring environmental conditions. ISR expressed willingness to cooperate with BUFORA, particularly in well-disciplined skywatches. The meeting expressed considerable interest and agreed that BUFORA and ISR should maintain close links and coordinate research. The Skywatch Organiser was asked to formulate detailed procedures for skywatches.

Evaluation and Investigations

Three proposals for evaluation were discussed: appraising existing BUFORA files to identify 'good' cases, specializing research based on individual members' expertise, and looking for more positive research methods beyond statistical analysis, possibly by examining ISR's mobile laboratory project. The meeting recommended drawing up a list of suitable evaluators. The Executive Committee later agreed to a panel of three evaluators: Dr. J. Cleary-Baker, Dr. G.G. Doel, and Mr. A.R. Pace. It was agreed that any evaluated verdict would represent the view of the Association as a whole.

Regarding investigations, proposals included focusing on 'in depth' investigations of a small number of selected cases (quality over quantity), valuing interpersonal skills in dealing with witnesses, expanding the number of investigators, and ensuring proper 'published' scientific reports were completed for publicity and record-keeping. Suggestions for an efficient investigation network were received, emphasizing the need for a recognized procedure.

UFO Detection and Observation

Methods for UFO detection and observation were discussed, suggesting the use of established meteorological observing systems as a basic scientific framework. Emphasis was placed on photographic and spectrographic observations. Results of sky watches were to be forwarded to bodies like the B.A.A. to improve BUFORA's image and facilitate information exchange. The use of diffraction gratings and polarising filters on sky watches was proposed, with an instruction leaflet to be supplied with the equipment.

Mobile Research Unit and Photographs

The meeting decided to sell the research van, less portable investigation equipment, to David Viewing on behalf of ISR for a nominal sum, subject to ratification. The Committee later ratified this decision. Regarding photographs, the meeting recommended deciding who should care for BUFORA's photographic records and how to file, classify, and analyze them. Anthony Pace would take charge of these records after Dr. Geoffrey Doel cataloged them. A request was made for members to supply authentic photographic material or sources, aiming to create a reference library.

Specific Projects and Conclusion

Proposals for specific projects included an appraisal of the card index project, application of orthographic projection techniques to photographic records for shape analysis, and the establishment of small groups for specialized interests (e.g., landings, car ignition cases, photographic cases, UFO characteristics like burnt circles). Important witnesses of close approaches were to be revisited. Improvement in the presentation of 'Ufolog' in the Journal was also agreed upon.

Conclusion

The Chairman thanked all attendees for their participation and for the hospitality provided by Margaret Pace. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document revolve around the professionalization and systematization of UFO research within BUFORA. There is a strong emphasis on establishing clear policies, improving investigative techniques, and enhancing the scientific credibility of the association. The editorial stance, as reflected in the Research Director's report, is optimistic about the growing acceptance of UFO studies by mainstream science, viewing it as a gradual but inevitable process. The document highlights a proactive approach to research, seeking expertise, better data management, and improved public relations to elevate BUFORA's standing and effectiveness in the field of Ufology.