The Sol Foundation: Science, Policy, and the Controversy Over Public Engagement

Since its launch in August 2023, the Sol Foundation has positioned itself as a leading research institution dedicated to studying Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and its broader implications. Based in California, this non-profit think tank is spearheaded by distinguished academics and policy experts who aim to bring scientific rigour, policy development, and public education to one of the most controversial and intriguing subjects of our time.

The Sol Foundation was founded to address the growing need for serious academic research into UAP, a subject that has recently garnered official recognition from legislative bodies in the United States and Canada. The foundation operates with three primary goals: establishing a 25-year research framework to explore UAP, non-human intelligences (NHI), and their potential effects on science, technology, politics, and society; providing governments—including the U.S. and the European Union—with well-researched policy recommendations regarding UAP; and engaging with the public on the social, cultural, and cosmological ramifications of confirmed UAP existence.

The foundation’s research spans multiple disciplines, incorporating natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering. Their 2023-2025 research agenda includes material analysis and engineering studies to investigate potential physical components of UAP, their propulsion systems, and the biological effects of exposure. The humanities and social sciences division explores how UAP confirmation could reshape human societies, religious beliefs, and political structures. Policy development efforts focus on crafting legislative recommendations for the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and other government agencies to handle UAP disclosures responsibly.

The Sol Foundation has already made its mark with academic conferences and symposia. Their inaugural event in November 2023 at Stanford University featured notable speakers such as Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb and intelligence expert Christopher Mellon. These events aim to bridge the gap between academia, government, and the private sector in tackling UAP-related questions.

The foundation is helmed by a group of well-respected professionals, including Dr. Garry Nolan, a Stanford University professor specialising in pathology and biotechnology, who serves as Executive Director of the Board. Dr. Peter Skafish, a sociocultural anthropologist, leads the foundation’s research initiatives. I. Charles McCullough III, a former Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, serves as the foundation’s legal counsel. Additionally, the advisory board includes names such as Rear Admiral (ret.) Timothy Gallaudet, longtime UFO researcher Jacques Vallée, and other distinguished figures from academia and government sectors.

One of the foundation’s most ambitious efforts is its policy development regarding UAP governance. The Sol Foundation argues that secrecy surrounding UAP, particularly within U.S. intelligence and military circles, has undermined democratic oversight and transparency. They advocate for strengthened whistleblower protections to allow government personnel to disclose information about UAP programs, legislative oversight measures to ensure proper accountability in classified UAP projects, and public transparency efforts to foster informed discussions on UAP’s broader implications.

Their work aligns with recent legislative actions, such as the inclusion of UAP-focused language in the National Defense Authorisation Acts (NDAA) of 2022 and 2023, which acknowledge the existence of transmedium vehicles with capabilities beyond known human technology.

Despite its academic and policy-driven ambitions, the Sol Foundation has not been without criticism. Two major concerns have emerged. The foundation offers membership tiers ranging from $350 to $25,000, with higher tiers granting access to exclusive research and events. While tiered memberships are a common funding model for research institutions, some argue that the fees create a barrier to entry, raising concerns about financial exclusivity over public accessibility. Others believe that the foundation’s reliance on private memberships, rather than open-access funding, could limit the diversity of perspectives within its research community.

Additionally, reports have surfaced of the foundation blocking critics on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Many view this as an attempt to stifle debate, leading to questions about the organisation’s commitment to open discourse.

The Sol Foundation sits at a critical juncture in the ongoing conversation about UAP. By bringing together scientists, policymakers, and thought leaders, it has the potential to shape how the world approaches these phenomena. However, transparency, inclusivity, and engagement with critics will be key in determining whether it remains a credible and respected institution or becomes another controversial player in an already contentious field.

As a newly established think tank, its policies and outreach strategies may still be in flux, and how it chooses to handle public engagement could define its long-term reputation. Blocking critics at such an early stage seems counterproductive for an organisation striving for credibility. Wouldn’t it be more constructive to engage in dialogue, address concerns, and dispel fears? If the pursuit of truth is the shared goal, fostering open discussions rather than shutting them down could strengthen the foundation’s standing within both academic and public circles.

After reaching out for comment, I received a response from Executive Director Peter Skafish, who expressed interest in discussing the article further. Although we’ve not yet been able to schedule a time to speak, his willingness to engage suggests an openness to dialogue—something that could go a long way in addressing public concerns and building trust.

As governments continue to wrestle with the implications of UAP, the Sol Foundation’s efforts in research, policy advocacy, and public education will likely play a pivotal role in shaping future discourse. Whether they can navigate the criticisms leveled at them remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—UAP research is no longer a fringe topic, and the Sol Foundation is at the heart of the discussion.