SSE’s December Babies are in Good Company

• December 26, 1917: Karlis Osis was born—one of the most influential researchers in the science of dying and near-transition states. Surveying more than 1,000 doctors and nurses, He uncovered consistent, cross-cultural deathbed visions that challenged the idea these experiences are mere hallucinations. Osis served as President of the Parapsychological Association in 1961 and distilled decades of research into two classic books: At the Hour of Death and Death Bed Visions. Fittingly, Dr. Osis passed away on his own birthday, closing a chapter of a life devoted to understanding what may lie beyond the final threshold.

The patterns that Osis uncovered are further supported by the findings of David Rousseau. In the Spring 2012 issue of the Journal of Scientific Exploration, Rousseau argued that near-death experiences may be best explained by the survival hypothesis, the idea that consciousness persists beyond the physical death of the body. Read more details at: https://journalofscientificexploration.org/index.php/jse/article/view/213 

• December 14, 1900: Max Planck presented his formula for black-body radiation to the German Physical Society in what was considered the birth of quantum theory. Planck’s Law explains that energy is emitted in discrete packets, or “quanta.” Planck’s reluctant insight shattered classical physics and opened the door to a new, strange, and profoundly influential vision of reality.

More than a century later, these mysteries remain alive, inspiring thinkers who wonder whether the observer is merely watching the world or actively shaping it. In the Fall 2015 issue of the Journal of Scientific Exploration, Nelson Abreu reviewed the book Observer Effect: The Quantum Mystery Demystified, where physicist Massimiliano Sassoli de Bianchi tackles one of quantum theory’s most fascinating puzzles with clarity and depth. Read more details at: https://journalofscientificexploration.org/index.php/jse/article/view/958

As the year draws to a close and the days grow shorter, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the symbolism of light in the midst of darkness. Across cultures and traditions, the holiday season is marked by candles, stars, and celebrations of illumination. These rituals remind us that even in the longest nights, light endures—and with it, hope, curiosity, discovery, and renewal.

For the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), this metaphor resonates deeply. Our mission has always been to shine a light into areas of inquiry that others may overlook or dismiss. Whether it’s the study of consciousness, anomalous phenomena, or unconventional theories in physics and biology, we embrace the challenge of venturing into the shadows of the unknown. In doing so, we kindle sparks of understanding that may one day grow into guiding beacons for science and humanity.

This past year, our members have carried that torch with remarkable courage. Through conferences, publications, and spirited dialogue, you have demonstrated that exploration isn’t about having all the answers—instead it’s about daring to ask the questions that others fear to pose. In a time when mainstream discourse often narrows the boundaries of acceptable inquiry, SSE stands as a reminder that true science thrives on curiosity, diversity of thought, and the willingness to illuminate paths not yet taken.

Therefore, let’s celebrate the light that we share as a community as we enter the holiday season. Each paper presented, each conversation sparked, and each idea nurtured is a metaphorical candle in the darkness—together forming a constellation of knowledge that guides us forward. And as the new year approaches, may we continue to carry this light into 2026, embracing both the mysteries that challenge us and the encounters that inspire us.

On behalf of the Society, I wish you peace, joy, and the enduring wonder that comes from seeking “light in the darkness.”

Warmly,

James Houran, Ph.D.

Interim-President, SSE
Editor-in-Chief, JSE

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Double your Impact: Please Support SSE’s Year-End Fundraising Drive

Right now, every dollar you donate to SSE will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous matching pledge from an anonymous donor.

This means your $50 tax deductible donation becomes $100, $100 becomes $200, etc., so your impact doubles instantly. Your support fuels SSE's vital work in bringing frontier scientists together, sharing valuable educational opportunities, and publishing the latest research across all areas of anomalistics.

But this opportunity won’t last long. The matching pledge is available only until December 31st, 2025 — so please act now to make your investment in SSE go twice as far:

 Donate Now

SSE’s Winter Webinar — “Military and Civilian Pilot UAP Sightings”

Join presenter Barry Roth at 11am Central time on January 21^st for this not-to-be-missed event!  Barry is the Chief Archivist and Historian at the National UFO Historical Records Center (NUFOHRC), a non-profit organization that maintains the nation’s largest civilian collection of UFO records. Its mission is to digitize paper files, newspaper clippings, audio recordings, and video materials, providing open-source access for dedicated UFO/UAP researchers.

Attendees will learn about:

• ·       How these objects make right angle turns without a turning radius and instantaneously accelerate
• ·       How these crafts fly without any flight surfaces
• ·       How these objects might operate in their own space-time bubbles

Barry will present a series of documented encounters involving both civilian and military aviators. These cases incorporate corroborating evidence from flight crews, airborne and ground-based radar systems, CE II phenomena, and multiple independent witnesses.

The events are characterized by flight behaviors that appear to contradict established principles of physics and exhibit unconventional aerodynamic performance. Occurring across several countries, these UAP incidents are further distinguished by instances of information suppression and include the earliest recorded case of a military pilot firing upon a UAP.

Zoom registration now open! UAP Webinar

SSE at the American Anthropological Association Conference

James Houran (Editor-in-Chief) and Brian Laythe (Managing Editor) of the Journal of Scientific Exploration recently joined Jim McClenon and Brandon Massullo in a lively panel (“A Spirited Round Table: Comparing Anthropological and Parapsychological Notes on ‘Ghosts’”) at this year’s American Anthropological Association’s conference in New Orleans (November 19-23). The conference theme, “Ghosts,” invited scholars to reflect on the unseen forces—cultural, psychological, and experiential—that shape human life. Houran moderated the panel of experts who contributed their expertise on spooky experiences, the psychology of ritual settings, and issues in clinical parapsychology. Their participation also highlighted SSE’s commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and to advancing serious inquiry into phenomena often considered “fringe.” By engaging with anthropologists in this unique forum, they underscored the importance of open-minded collaboration across disciplines—reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge often begins in the shadows, where curiosity meets mystery. They also had a celebratory dinner with Brandon Massullo at the famous “ghost table” in Muriel’s restaurant within the French Quarter. They reportedly had a great time, but alas, no spooky experiences.

SSE 2026 Conference — Call for Abstracts

The SSE2026 Program Committee is pleased to announce the keynote speaker will be Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, who will address the intersection of "evidence and encounters" with psychedelic experiences.

Likewise, the committee invites high-quality submissions for two dynamic tracks: Evidence and Encounters:

Together, these tracks aim to advance our understanding of anomalous phenomena, explore their cross-disciplinary significance, and consider their potential real-world impact.

Learn more and submit your abstract today: SSE2026 Call for Abstracts

JSE’s Winter Issue Lands Soon!

The 2025 winter issue will be packed with provocative research and bold new ideas at the frontiers of science. Highlights include:

·        NYE & Consciousness: Evidence that collective focus at New Year’s midnight produces measurable shifts in global randomness.

·        Ground Radar & Ancient Structures: Signals near Hawara (Egypt) suggest a vast buried complex—possibly the legendary Labyrinth described by Herodotus.

·        Can Trance Be Learned?: A structured hypnosis and out‑of‑body protocol shows promise for teaching trance channeling.

·        UAP & High Voltage Energy: A provocative model proposes that UFOs/UAPs may harness plasma‑like electrical vortices to maneuver.

·        Consciousness & Environment: Analysis links Maharishi Technologies of Consciousness with a decade‑long lull in U.S. hurricanes.

·        Temporal Translation of Matter: New theory explores whether matter and energy, like information, might move across time.

·        Interdimensionality & UAPs: A two‑part study outlines how multidimensional planes could intersect our universe at UAP contact points.

·        Citizen Science & Anomalous Experience: Machine learning across a century of datasets reveals shared themes in reports of the unexplained.

Be sure to delve into this fascinating mix of empirical findings, theoretical innovation, and historical context—perfect for anyone curious about the evolving landscape of scientific exploration.

Upcoming MAVERICK Talks: Interactive Virtual Chats about Bold Ideas

MAVERICK = Monthly Adventures Via Exploration, Revealing Inquiry, Curiosity, and Knowledge

Help us to shape the future of scientific exploration—one bold idea at a time!

SSE’s monthly virtual forum where members can share works-in-progress, spark fresh inquiry, and receive thoughtful feedback from fellow explorers. Whether you're refining a method, testing a hypothesis, or navigating a controversial topic, this is your space to engage, reflect, and grow.

When & Where: Second Sunday of each month (unless a quarterly webinar is scheduled) 1-hour Zoom sessions at: 5 PM ET | 4 PM CT | 3 PM MT | 2 PM PT

Upcoming talks:

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Meet Rosemarie Pilkington… a writer, educator, and pioneering voice in parapsychology whose career has been dedicated to making complex ideas accessible and preserving the personal stories of the field’s most influential figures. With a lifelong curiosity sparked by family accounts of psychic phenomena and early mentorship from Stanley Krippner, she went on to earn her Ph.D. at Saybrook Institute and build lasting collaborations with luminaries such as Montague Ullman and Jule Eisenbud. Rosemarie is the author of Men and Women of Parapsychology: Personal Reflections: Esprit, vols 1 and 2 (1987, 2010, 2013) and The Spirit of Dr. Bindelof: The Enigma of Séance Phenomena (2006)—works that blend historical documentation with vivid storytelling to capture the human side of frontier science. Today, through her website SeanceScience.com and her continued involvement with SSE, she remains a passionate advocate for thoughtful exploration of extraordinary experiences and for mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Please talk about your career journey and what led you to your current work.

I’ve always had the desire to teach, to share knowledge, and to keep learning. My curiosity was sparked early by family stories of premonitions, apparitions, and precognitive dreams. A potent influence on me was my piano teacher, who shared her own psychic experiences, including an out-of-body episode and a séance attempt with a member of the ASPR. Her experiences frightened her, but I found these phenomena fascinating. Although I read a great deal and attended many talks, I only became active in parapsychology later in life after meeting a fellow teacher with psychic abilities. He wanted an advanced degree to practice as a “psychic analyst.” I connected him with Stanley Krippner and worked with him to earn a doctorate from the fledgling Humanistic Psychology Institute, which led me to pursue my own Ph.D. at Saybrook under Prof. Krippner's mentorship. Along the way, I befriended leading figures such as Jan Ehrenwald, Emilio Servadio and Jule Eisenbud, whose encouragement gave me confidence to contribute meaningfully to the field.

What do you find most rewarding about your research in frontier science?

Writing became my way of contributing. I loved to simplify complex ideas and explain them clearly to students or others. At the 1983 convention in Madison, NJ, I realized how important it was to preserve the voices of pioneers like Arthur Koestler, Gaither Pratt, and Louisa Rhine who had recently died. This inspired my anthology Men and Women of Parapsychology: Personal Reflections (1987), later expanded into Esprit: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. But I consider The Spirit of Dr. Bindelof (2006) my most significant contribution. It documents the extraordinary séances and thought photography experiments of Gilbert Roller and his group of precocious teens, one of whom was Montague Ullman. It is the only complete account of this important experiment in physical phenomena.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?

One challenge was insecurity as to whether I would be accepted by these illustrious experts. To my surprise, many recognized my worth and became lifelong friends. Another challenge was publishing my first book: It was a “catch 22” situation: A publisher would require sample chapters, but without a commitment busy researchers wouldn’t take the time to write. Fortunately, friends like Eisenbud, Ullman, and Ehrenwald provided the first chapters, which helped to secure publication. Still, despite rave reviews, sales of these books were disappointing. To reach today’s audiences, single, shorter autobiographies in journals, podcasts, and video interviews are much more effective.

How has being a part of SSE benefited you both professionally and personally?

Friends from the Parapsychological Association encouraged me to join SSE, though I couldn’t attend conferences until after retiring from teaching in 1995. Once I did, SSE broadened my horizons immensely. I met explorers from diverse disciplines, many of whom became close friends. I admired their courage in pursuing controversial, out-of-the-mainstream topics and valued the community’s encouragement of young researchers to balance frontier exploration with grounding in conventional science. SSE has enriched both my professional work and personal life.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in frontier science?

Stay curious but also stay grounded. Explore the “border areas” with openness yet ensure that you are firmly rooted in recognized scientific methods. Seek mentors, learn from pioneers, and don’t be discouraged by skepticism or lack of recognition. Above all, find ways to share knowledge—whether through writing, teaching, or new media—so that future generations can benefit from the insights and experiences of today’s explorers.

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A Farewell Funny

The only thing faster than a UAP is how quickly the government classifies the footage.