While the public discussed the initial steps to form a UAP scientific advisory council, developments have continued to unfold. Avi Loeb has released additional details regarding the membership and objectives of the "UAP Science Advisory Council." Commissioned by the White House, the Pentagon (AARO), ODNI, the FBI, and other intelligence community agencies, the council is now beginning to take a definitive shape.
Loeb emphasized that all data handled by the council will remain unclassified. This transparency allows for the open recruitment of experts and a primary focus on scientific analysis. The council will report to a superior UAP Governing Board—an interagency body that coordinates the efforts of the military, law enforcement, intelligence, and civilian agencies. A key role of the Governing Board is to facilitate the timely coordination of declassifying UAP information in accordance with executive orders.
The council’s membership reflects an impressive multidisciplinary approach. Joining the previously announced experts is Professor Robin Hanson, a prominent economist, futurist, and statistics specialist. The roster includes physicists and data collection specialists Matthew Szydagis and Kevin Knuth, oceanographer Tim Gallaudet, molecular biologist and materials expert Garry Nolan, anthropologist Peter Skafish, as well as psychologists and AI specialists for data analysis. Professional skeptic Michael Shermer is also participating. Loeb specifically noted the importance of a "devil’s advocate" to help avoid groupthink and cognitive biases.
The council is focusing on recently declassified materials. A June 2026 AARO report, signed by Director Jon Kosloski, describes an October 2023 incident in which law enforcement observed an orange "mothership" sphere releasing smaller red objects. Approximately 40% of such cases remain unexplained. Loeb describes this as a "detective story" that can be resolved through high-quality new data and superior sensors.
National security remains a priority. If these objects represent the technology of potential adversaries, they indicate a serious vulnerability. If they are manifestations of non-human technology, it would fundamentally change our scientific worldview. The council must help distinguish between the two through rigorous analysis.
The sequence of events appears consistent, moving from the initial mandate to form a team to the announcement of its members and a clear division of roles between the scientific council and the interagency governing body. Loeb stresses that success depends on data quality and a commitment to the scientific method. While it is too early to judge the final results, the process is moving forward with an emphasis on transparency where possible and practical recommendations for AARO.
This step reflects a growing demand for a systematic, rather than speculative, approach to a topic that was considered fringe until recently. The coming months will show how effectively this new structure can advance the understanding of the nature of UAPs.
