Society for Psychical Research(SPR)

The Society for Psychical Research (SPR), founded in 1882 in the United Kingdom, is a nonprofit civilian academic organization dedicated to scientifically investigating psychic and paranormal phenomena, including telepathy, apparitions, mediumship, hypnotism, and hauntings. Originating from discussions between physicist William F. Barrett and others, it was formally established on 20 February 1882 with philosopher Henry Sidgwick as its first president; early key figures included Frederic W. H. Myers, who coined 'telepathy,' and Edmund Gurney. Key activities encompassed data collection via specialized committees, publishing the journal *Proceedings*, and organizing international congresses on experimental psychology; landmark works include the 1886 *Phantasms of the Living* on telepathy and apparitions. Notable achievements feature pioneering neologisms like 'telepathy,' influencing global parapsychology—such as inspiring the 1884 American Society for Psychical Research with William James—and collaborations with Nobel laureate Charles Richet. Regarding UAP/UFO research, the SPR's historical focus on psychical phenomena lacks direct involvement in government UFO programs or modern UAP studies, prioritizing psi abilities over physical sightings. Currently active as a registered charity in London, it maintains a library and archive at Cambridge University Library, publishes peer-reviewed research, hosts conferences, and promotes education without endorsing specific beliefs.