Independent Investigations Group

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The Independent Investigations Group (IIG) is a volunteer-based organization founded in January of 2000 at the Center For Inquiry-West (now Center For Inquiry-Los Angeles) in Hollywood, California. The IIG investigates fringe science, paranormal and extraordinary claims from a rational, scientific viewpoint, and disseminates factual information about such inquiries to the public.

IIG offers a $50,000 prize[1] (In U.S. dollars) to anyone who can show, under proper observing conditions, evidence of any paranormal, supernatural, or occult power or event. The IIG is involved in designing the test protocol, approving the conditions under which a test will take place, and in administering the actual test. All tests are designed with the participation and approval of the applicant. In most cases, the applicant is asked to perform a simple preliminary demonstration of the claimed ability, which if successful is followed by the formal test. Associates of the IIG usually conduct both tests and preliminary demonstrations at their location in Hollywood.

While the IIG conducts scientifically-based experiments, its membership is composed primarily of lay-people. Members' collective professional experience includes the fields of architecture, archeology, education, electronics, engineering, film making, law enforcement, magic, medicine, psychology, and visual effects. The chair of IIG is James Underdown, Executive Director of the Center For Inquiry-Los Angeles.