An Interview with Jacques Vallee by Brent Raynes

This document is an interview with Dr. Jacques Vallee conducted by Brent Raynes, originally archived on April 25, 2006. Vallee, a French-born scientist with a background in mathematics, astrophysics, and computer science, discusses his long-standing involvement in UFO research and his professional career. He details his early work with Dr. J. Allen Hynek on Project Blue Book and his later contributions to the development of Arpanet and NASA's Mars mapping project. Throughout the interview, Vallee emphasizes his shift away from mainstream ufology, which he characterizes as having become dogmatic and lacking in rigorous field investigation. He advocates for a broader, multidisciplinary approach to the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), suggesting that the phenomenon is deeply linked to consciousness, human history, and spiritual traditions rather than simple extraterrestrial visitation. Vallee recounts his own childhood sighting of a silvery, dome-topped disk in France, which he notes influenced his interest in science. He also discusses his involvement with the Stanford Research Institute's remote-viewing program, where he suggested an information-processing approach to the subject. Furthermore, Vallee expresses strong reservations regarding the use of hypnotic regression in abduction research, citing concerns that it can create irreversible fantasies rather than uncovering true memories. He also touches upon his investigations in Brazil, noting the complexity of the phenomenon and the loss of data due to political and cultural factors. The interview concludes with Vallee's reflection on the need for continued, open-minded research that transcends current speculative models.