Avi Loeb to Lead White House UAP Science Advisory Council

In June/July 2026, the White House formally brought science to the center of the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) discussion by announcing the creation of a dedicated UAP Science Advisory Council. This new body is tasked with helping the federal government rigorously investigate and characterize UAP using transparent, data-driven methods. Harvard astrophysicist Professor Avi Loeb has been appointed to lead the council, signaling a strong emphasis on mainstream scientific expertise and peer-reviewed research.

Speaking with NewsNation, Loeb emphasized that it is the responsibility of scientists to assist government agencies in understanding unusual observations in our skies and near-Earth environment. The council will focus on collecting high-quality data, applying established physical principles, and publishing findings whenever possible to build public trust. By placing scientists "formally at the table," the administration aims to move the UAP conversation beyond speculation and toward careful measurement, open inquiry, and evidence-based conclusions that can inform both national security and our broader understanding of the universe.