SCU RELEASES TWO NEW SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ADVANCING THE SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE AND UAP CLASSIFICATION
- Kevin Wright
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Robert Powell calls for paradigm shifts in SETI research, while Dr. Stephen Bruehl applies advanced statistical analysis to uncover distinct patterns in UAP reports.
WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, August 14, 2025 / -- The Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) today announced the release of two significant scientific papers that advance the study of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) and the search for advanced extraterrestrial intelligence.
The first paper, Evolving Paradigms in the Search for Advanced Extraterrestrial Intelligence, by Robert Powell, has been published in World Futures and challenges current anthropocentric assumptions in humanity’s search for advanced life beyond Earth. Powell argues that the scientific community must adopt a more open-minded, multi-faceted, and rigorous approach to answering one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe? The paper addresses the question from both deductive and inductive perspectives, examining how evolving paradigms could lead to a transformative new understanding of humanity’s place in the cosmos.
“Science’s approach to the question of extraterrestrial intelligence is changing,” Powell said. “New paradigms will be needed, and the answer may provide us with a new view of ourselves.”
The second paper, Cluster Analysis of Features Associated with Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Described in 216 Select Reports from 1947–2016, by Dr. Stephen Bruehl, Dr. Sarah Little, and Robert Powell, applies advanced statistical pattern recognition techniques to high-quality UAP witness reports. This paper will also be released in World Futures in a special UAP edition of their journal. Using two-step cluster analysis on data from 216 cases, Bruehl identified seven distinct UAP clusters based on shape, size, hovering capability, electromagnetic (EM) effects, and sound.
Key findings include:
· Object shape—including discs, cylinders, and triangles—was the primary driver of clustering results.
· Certain clusters were defined by unique features such as the absence of hovering, the presence of sound, or the occurrence of EM effects.
· Among UAP with EM effects, 97% were observed within 2,000 feet of the witness.
Bruehl’s analysis demonstrates that statistical methods can reveal subtle patterns in UAP data, enhancing and refining manual classification techniques.
“These studies exemplify SCU’s mission to apply scientific rigor to the study of UAP,” said Executive Board member Richard Hoffman. “Powell’s work challenges us to think differently about extraterrestrial intelligence, while Bruehl’s research shows how modern analytical methods can extract deeper meaning from witness data. Together, they represent an important step toward improving our understanding of UAP and our place in the universe.”
To read both papers, please use the following links:
Evolving Paradigms in the Search for Advanced Extraterrestrial Intelligence: https://www.explorescu.org/post/evolving-paradigms-in-the-search-for-advanced-extraterrestrial-intelligence and https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02604027.2025.2518485
Cluster Analysis of Features Associated with Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Described in 216 Select Reports from 1947–2016: https://www.explorescu.org/post/cluster-analysis-of-features-associated-with-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-described-in-216-selec
About SCU:
SCU promotes and encourages the rigorous scientific examination of UAP, commonly known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). SCU comprises scientists, engineers, members of the high-tech and defense industries, former military, and other professionals, utilizing scientific principles, methodologies, and practices to advance the study of UAP observed and reported around the globe.
The Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions to SCU are tax-deductible.
