Six new fellows have been elected to the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). They include a magician/mentalist, a sociologist expert on mass hysteria and mass delusions, a “guerilla skeptic,” a molecular biologist researching and defending genetically modified foods, the editor of the UK skeptics magazine, and a noted climate scientist.
Fellows are elected for “distinguished service to science and skepticism.” Although election is an honorary distinction, fellows serve as advisors to CSI and its magazine, the Skeptical Inquirer, and are invited to share their expertise and advice on issues and projects.
The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (founded in 1976 as CSICOP, the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) “promotes scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims.” The shorter name was adopted in 2006.