Media

ASSAP – Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena

Media Enquiries

ASSAP has been investigating the anomalous and paranormal since 1981. In that time we’ve appeared in many media outlets. Just a few examples are:

BBC Radio 4
The Sunday Express Magazine
Lembit Öpik Show on Today’s News Talk
BBC2 TV’s Video Diaries
The Jeremy Vine Show
Strange but True
Talk Radio UK
Tokyo Radio
The Paranormal World of Paul McKenna
Out of This World
BBC Radio Lancashire
BBC Radio Bristol
Radio Swansea Sound
BBC World Service
World Service TV
New Scientist …and many more.

Anomalous Phenomena

Anomalous phenomena divide broadly into four areas:

Psi phenomena – ghosts, telepathy, mediumship, etc.
Fortean phenomena – cryptozoology, fish falling from the sky, etc.
Earth Mysteries – leys, archaeoastronomy, etc.
UFO/UAPs

For a more extensive list, see our FAQs below.

ASSAP’s Way of Working

ASSAP works in a neutral position, adopting a non-judgemental perspective. We are not here to tell anyone what they did or did not experience, We align ourselves with a rationale and science-oriented base. Whilst having an interest in the claims of the anomalous.

It has no corporate views.
It does not promote any beliefs (or disbeliefs) in the paranormal.
It is dedicated to research and education from a rational standpoint, aligned with science and investigation.

What We Can Do

Put you in touch with individuals who conduct paranormal research
Answer queries about the paranormal
Show you how we work

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ASSAP?

ASSAP is an association dedicated to discovering the scientific truth behind unexplained anomalous phenomena. It has no corporate beliefs and encourages an open-minded, undogmatic scientific approach. Main activities:

Research into reports of anomalous phenomena
Analysis and publication of investigation results Members are encouraged to investigate in a disciplined, responsible way through a training programme.

What are anomalous phenomena?

Reported events with no widely accepted scientific explanation. Broadly divided into:

Psi phenomena (e.g., telepathy, ghosts, premonitions)
UFO/UAP
Earth mysteries (e.g., alignments of ancient monuments)
Forteana (odd occurrences like falls of fish, out-of-place animals)

“Paranormal” is often used interchangeably with “anomalous”. There is emerging evidence of connections between fields (e.g., UFO witnesses often report psychic experiences before/after encounters).

Why a rational and scientific approach?

Science offers the closest value-free model of reality. If anomalous phenomena are real (not misobservation), they are natural and fall within science. ASSAP seeks to add to, not replace, scientific knowledge. There are observations that require closer inspection and reporting.

Why no corporate beliefs?

Evidence for the paranormal is slight, patchy and contradictory. Few undisputed facts or accepted theories exist. Starting with a clean sheet—without preconceptions—is the only objective approach. Science demands unbiased discipline. Individual members may hold personal views, but research remains neutral and belief-free.

What is ASSAP’s status as an organisation?

Registered UK charity (no. 327422)
Founded 10 June 1981
Current worldwide membership: over 300
Reputation for careful, responsible research
Frequently consulted by media

What has ASSAP done so far?

Highlights include:

Investigations of haunted locations, UFOs, and anomalous photographs
Collaboration with English Heritage and local authorities
Experimental research in remote viewing, hypnotic regression, numerology, tarot, table tilting
Funded member-led projects (e.g., magnetic fields at haunted sites)
UK-wide investigation network
Regular publications, conferences, library, and archives
Media Support Agency promoting serious debate

How does ASSAP relate to other groups?

Part of an informal network. Some groups are affiliated, others maintain loose links. ASSAP works collaboratively, not dominantly.

Does ASSAP hold meetings?

No regular meetings (except AGM) as our commitee and members are worldwide.
Since 2020, during the COVID-19 we organised weekly online meetings, with an occassional guest speaker. These evolved overtime to become the ASSAP Paranormal Webinars LIVE a weekly presentation/talk/panel for members-only and have adopted the moniker “Seriously Strange” for a public edit, available across a number of video and podcast platforms.
Organises conferences, presentations,
Investigators’ Training Days and seminars → leads to Approved ASSAP Investigator (AAI) and (ARI) status
We wish to return to conducting study days, research meetings with a goal of establishing data and information for publication.

What are the benefits of joining ASSAP?

Participate in investigations & research
Attend training courses (or contribute in research/admin)
Join active local groups
Receive publications when they become available:
- ASSAP E-News
- Anomaly (Journal themed publication with an aim of a year/18month window - under revision)
- Seriously Strange Magazine (aim to be twice yearly, has undergone consideration, reformating, moving from a zine to an encompassing magazine of news, features, articles, special, reviews and creative content.
Access postal library service
Attend public meetings

What if I’ve witnessed something anomalous?

Report via our UK-wide investigator network. Expect:

Sympathetic, unbiased approach
Confidentiality (pseudonyms used unless permission given)
Adherence to Code of Conduct → Report a case here

What geographical area does ASSAP cover?

UK-based national organisation
Some international members
Activities mainly UK-focused
Connected to Regional Affliated groups and organisations, who themselves conduct investigation and research.