C-FAR Current Programmes

• the establishment of ready access by anyone to the results of anomalies research work already done (e.g. building an on-line anomalies literature database);
• the establishment of easily accessible data libraries that will help researchers and the public understand the range and quality of evidence for anomalous phenomena, (e.g. by building an on-line quality-rated anomalous case material database);
• the establishment of a deeper understanding of the philosophical significance of the issues raised by the anomalies data (e.g. via the development of an on-line Open Issues Discussion Forum tied to an on-line Open Issues Catalogue);
• a consensus view on the research priorities within the field of anomalies research, based on the philosophical assessment of the significance of kinds of evidence (e.g. developed via an on-line Research Priority Discussion Forum linked to an on-line International Anomalies Research Agenda);
• the establishment of co-operative multi-disciplinary research programs that systematically and objectively research the full range of anomalous phenomena (e.g. by using the Catalogues mentioned above to motivate the relevance of specific research when inspiring researchers or appealing for funding);
• the establishment of interdisciplinary programs to utilize the findings of such research to develop beneficial applications, therapies and lifestyles, and the promotion of their adoption.

The Library of Exploratory Science

Overview

This project aims to set up, as a research tool, a web-based database of searchable articles, Journals and books with information relevant to anomalies research. Much of the published material of psychical research and parapsychology, especially the older material, is very difficult to access and search (small print runs, no abstracts etc). In this project we are using modern publication and knowledge management tools involving bulk scanning, automated character recognition and web-enabled database technology to add material cost-effectively.

Status

The Library of Exploratory Science (Lexscien) contains the most important scientific publications reporting research into anomalies and controversies in science and the humanities.

Kuhnexus (Anomalies Catalogue)

Overview

This project intends to compile an Anomalies Catalogue that would represent the "best in class" evidence over the full range of phenomena. The purpose of this Catalogue would be to guide and inform modern research strategies, and ensure that important evidence is not lost from view due to the passage of time or changes in fashion. C-FAR believes that the establishment of such a Catalogue is key to driving a systematic research effort. A proper consideration of how to define and prioritise research has to take full account of the whole body of evidence, but this is very difficult for modern researchers to assess because there is so much data, it largely unstructured and much of it is very inaccessible. This will, together with a Research Agenda and an Open Issues Catalogue, form the basis for a systematic effort to co-ordinate and focus interdisciplinary research in Anomalies.

Status

A proposal for the building of this on-line catalogue has been developed and is being discussed with potential sponsors. A model-neutral classification system has been developed and published in the April 2002 issue of JSPR [see abstract as HTML or paper as PDF]. To develop ideas around how to rate and evaluate such information, a Study Day was held jointly with the SPR on 27 April 2002. More information on the outputs of the day and plans for the next stages of the project are on our Anomalies Catalogue page.