Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena
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The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) is a United Kingdom-based organization whose mission is to investigate, scientifically, paranormal and anomalous phenomena. The ASSAP was founded on June 10, 1981; its current president is the Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe and total membership is currently about 300 people. The previous president was Michael Bentine who had a long term interest in the subject of the paranormal.
ASSAP researches phenomena including houses allegedly haunted, reports of UFOs, anomalous photographs, automatic writing, crop circles, hypnotic regression, numerology, out-of-body experiences, remote viewing and dreams, among many others.
ASSAP organises training for members who wish to investigate the paranormal, particularly ghosts. It maintains a network of investigators to look into new cases as they arise. It also promotes and undertakes systematic research into various anomalous phenomena. Results are published in a newsletter, ASSAP News and a journal, Anomaly. ASSAP's website contains many articles, including past cases, advice for researchers and special sections on vigil equipment and anomalous photos (including orbs). ASSAP welcomes skeptics and believers alike (as well as those with no particular opinion), relying on scientific evidence to decide on the true nature of the anomalous phenomena it studies.
Founding members included well known authors Hilary Evans and Jenny Randles as well as Fortean Times editor Bob Rickard, Dr Vernon Harrison and Dr Hugh Pincott (previously secretary and treasurer of the Society for Psychical Research).
