Sky Canada Project report (PDF)

REPORT OF THE SKY CANADA PROJECT# 21
Breaking the Stigma:
The Challenges of Academic
Research on UAPs
Despite the fact that there can be a valid scientific rationale for
studying UAPs, many academic research communities seem to
fear stigma associated with pursuing research on this topic. A
recent survey7 of 1,460 tenured and tenure-track faculty mem-
bers in 144 research-intensive universities in the United States
revealed that 53% believed that UAP-related research would
jeopardize their tenure or promotion, even though only 7% had
a negative opinion of this type of research.
A review by the OCSA of two of Canada’s main federal research
funding agencies found very few funded projects related to
UAPs. For example, over the past 25 years, there have been
no grant or funding applications directly related to UAPs at the
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
(NSERC), and only 7 applications and 2 grants or scholarships
from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
(SSHRC). Consistent with this, the OCSA only found a dozen
graduate level dissertations related to UAPs in Canada over
the same 25-year period. Among these was Matthew Hayes’
research at Trent University that gave rise to a comprehensive
book titled Search for the Unknown: Canada’s UFO Files and
the Rise of Conspiracy Theory (McGill-Queen’s University Press,
Montréal, 2022). The book explores the history of UAP sightings
in Canada, the response from the government and the resulting
perception from the public.
The application of the scientific method, advancements in
data-gathering technology and initiatives like participatory sci-
ence represent important steps toward addressing UAP sight-
ings with objectivity and precision.
Empowering Discovery:
The Role of Participatory Science
in Engaging Communities
Participatory science, historically called citizen science,
involves engaging public volunteers as research assis-
tants in scientific projects. It allows researchers to col-
lect vast amounts of data over larger geographical areas
and longer periods than would be feasible with a small
team of scientists and a limited number of instruments.
This approach not only accelerates scientific discovery,
but just as importantly, strengthens public confidence
in science. Additionally, participatory science fosters
scientific literacy by providing new opportunities for
individuals to actively participate in research initiatives,
collaborating with professional scientists in data collec-
tion, analysis and interpretation, while learning about the
scientific method. As noted in the House of Commons
Standing Committee on Science and Research Report on
Citizen Science (2023),8 these initiatives are particularly
valuable for addressing data gaps and informing public
policy, especially in the health (e.g., influenza tracking)
and environmental fields (e.g., species monitoring). Such
contributions demonstrate the vital role citizen scientists
can play in advancing knowledge and supporting evi-
dence-based decision-making.
D. UAPs and the Public
The way reports of UAP sightings are framed and
disseminated significantly influences public
perception. Some sightings gain widespread attention,
fuelled by compelling eyewitness accounts,
documented evidence, or extraordinary circumstances.
Media coverage and pop culture have further shaped
these narratives, embedding certain cases into the
collective memory. In particular, well-documented
Canadian sightings, such as the Falcon Lake encounter
or the Shag Harbour incident, have become cultural
touchstones, commemorated not only in local lore but
also through initiatives like the Royal Canadian Mint’s
UAP-themed coins—as highlighted later.
Despite the intrigue, the discourse around UAPs is often
fragmented, with inconsistent reporting mechanisms and
varying levels of credibility among sources. The rise of
conspiracy theories, disinformation and sensationalism
can further muddy the waters, making it harder for the
public to discern fact from fiction.
This section explores the intricate relationship between UAP
sightings, media coverage, and public perceptions. It examines
how certain sightings gain prominence, the role of media in
shaping perceptions, and the broader cultural and scientific
implications of these phenomena. It also provides an overview
of the history of UAP reports in Canada.
The aurora borealis, with its spectacular, shimmering
lights, has long inspired curiosity and reflection, raising
profound questions about the natural world.
The township of Moonbeam,in northern Ontario, known for its roadside flying saucer landmark.
Credit: By P199 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1857305