Join the Investigation
Support independent research into ghosts, anomalous phenomena, and the unexplained.
Why Join ASSAP?
Explore the core pillars, member benefits, and what makes our society unique.
Founded on 10 June 1981 by Hugh Pincott, Alan Cleaver, Dr Vernon Harrison, Bob Rickard (editor of Fortean Times), Jenny Randles, Hilary Evans, and Maurice Townsend, ASSAP was created out of a desire to examine a wider range of anomalous phenomena with the same rigour and reverence traditionally applied to psi research by the Society for Psychical Research.
The founders believed it was time to bring serious, evidence-based investigation to topics such as earth mysteries, cryptids, UFO/UAP phenomena, and consciousness — alongside more established areas of study. For over four decades, ASSAP has remained one of the UK’s leading scientifically oriented charities dedicated to researching and understanding the weird.
We're also only as strong as the commitment our members bring; our volunteer committee is made up of members. Bring your talents, tune your skills, and get involved.
ASSAP prides itself on being accessible and approachable; an association of people made up of enthusiasts, researchers, and academics who wish to explore the extraordinary and see where the data takes us.
ASSAP has always endeavoured to ensure accessible value for all. People with an interest in these curious topics should not be excluded because of price. Our conferences, events, courses, and memberships always place value at the heart (for instance, our two-day 2026 conference is an accessible ÂŁ35 for members with early booking).
For the first time in 21 years (since July 2005), we adjusted membership pricing in May 2026. For the longest time, we absorbed operating costs relying on the generosity of our volunteers' time and goodwill, but after two decades, that caught up with us. Even still, we maintain unmatched comparative value across similar organisations.
Every Thursday at 7 PM UK time, exclusive to members via Zoom. Enjoy a unique programme of live presentations, talks, panels, and discussions lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Guests range from leading academics and seasoned researchers to passionate enthusiasts, featuring live Q&As and discussions exploring the unknown. With around 50 live events per year and a searchable archive of over 260 catalogued sessions spanning more than 5 years, these double as a practical platform for speakers to test new ideas and receive feedback from an engaged audience.
Seriously Strange Magazine: Print + digital PDF targeting multiple issues per year featuring exclusive features, creative pieces, and research articles (member submissions welcome).
Anomaly Journal: Annual print + digital PDF featuring peer-level research papers, in-depth studies, and longer-form content.
Digital Library: Over 20 years of back issues accessible anytime in the Members’ Area.
Future Plans: We are exploring a single, expanded Seriously Strange title with higher frequency, longer articles, and a higher-quality science-magazine aesthetic (think BBC Science Focus meets National Geographic), incorporating Anomaly pieces directly into the format.
What sets ASSAP apart is our education and training. Our curriculum is based on up-to-date methods, and course notes are endorsed by the SPR (Society for Psychical Research) and required reading for students at the Rhine Education Centre.
ASSAP Accredited Investigator (AAI): The foundational level of training. Upon completion, you become eligible to join an ASSAP investigation team examining active cases.
ASSAP Registered Investigator (ARI): A more advanced level requiring AAI completion as a prerequisite, as part of our ongoing updates the AAI and ARI are now a online combined course!
ASSAP In person training events and workshops. We've a proud history of conducting in-person training events and as part of our revisions these are back on the agenda!
We operate under a clear Code of Conduct and Articles of Association designed to benefit membership and push the discussion of anomalous phenomena forward.
We are all volunteers and humans with full-time lives; ASSAP is our shared passion and community. We strive to act with integrity and transparency.
As a member, you have a voice, can have your say, and can potentially join the committee or become a supporting representative using your unique skills.
We proudly present two prestigious annual honors carrying names held in high regard in anomaly research history:
- Michael Bentine Award
- Robert Moore Award
Nominations are open to current members. You can put forward suggestions along with a citation for each award recipient.
Choose your ASSAP Membership
Select the option that best suits your location and preferred format.
UK Standard Postal
Anyone residing in the UK.
Receive printed magazine and materials delivered to your door, plus access to digital catalogues publication access extending back to 1981.
UK Concession
Under 21, over 60, or unwaged (16+)
All standard postal and digital benefits at a reduced rate. (Note: Joint membership details can be added after signup.)
Digital
Optimized for on-the-go devices
Instant digital publication access. Open documents and issues securely on your tablet, phone, and PC/Mac via the Members' Area.
Join via Direct Debit (UK)
Secure, recurring annual payment processed via Access Paysuite with multiple payment tiers. Choosing individual and joint memberships are available via the Access Paysuite form. Fully complete your details to enable Direct Debit.
Other Ways to Pay
Can I join as a UK Postal or Digital Member by other methods, Paypal and Standing Orders?
Paypal: The honest answer
We have had challenges in the past, where PayPal used to provide a Renewals service; due to the EU legislation changes in 2025, this service ended, resulting in many members not being renewed and confusion arising. Followed by a period where we accepted direct express payments via PayPal, we have to manually track and update people. Not ideal for a volunteer-manual-based administration, and there are resulting challenges we are still recovering from.
Later in 2025, PayPal revived a similar service with a new API called “Paypal Smart Subscription.” There was reluctance from the committee and membership team to publicly offer this function. But we acknowledge this is a preferred method or the only method for some.
PayPal: The answer is yes, we do support modern “PayPal Smart Subscriptions” for UK Postal, Concession, and Digital options upon request. But first ask you to consider Access Paysuite.
Standing Order: Available for members preferring direct bank-to-bank annual transfers.
International Membership
International Membership: Mirrors much of the benefits of the Digital Membership. Because Access Paysuite and the UK Direct Debit system are not available internationally, international members can easily sign up using our PayPal Smart Subscription option.
What Happens Next?
Your journey as an ASSAP member starts here.
Secure Your Payment
Complete your payment securely via Access Paysuite Direct Debit or PayPal.
Manual Processing
Receive your confirmation email within a few days (memberships are processed manually by our team—thank you for your patience!).
Members’ Area Access
Get your login details for the Members’ Area to instantly access digital back-issues and resources.
Get Involved
Enjoy invitations to Paranormal Webinars LIVE, mailing lists, research grants, and active community networks.
Have questions about joining?
Our membership team is happy to guide you.