Bigelow, the 75-year-old founder of Bigelow Aerospace and the owner of hotel chain Budget Suites of America, founded the Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies (BICS) in June to support research into what happens after death, a few months after the death of his wife Diane Bigelow.
Now, the institute has announced an essay contest, seeking the best available evidence to support the existence of life after death.
The writer of the winning essay will receive $500,000. Second and third prize is $300,000 and $150,000 respectively.
“Despite intriguing evidence, the number of research groups and funding devoted to investigating the survival of human consciousness beyond death is shockingly small in the Western world,” the BICS website says. “Even though all 7.8 billion humans on planet Earth will eventually die, very little high quality research is being conducted on perhaps the most important and fundamental question facing our species.”
The institute’s website says it “hopes to provide a public service by drawing increasing attention to, and encouraging research into, this fundamental and timeless topic.”
It adds: “We are seeking hard evidence ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ that takes us beyond religion or philosophy and provides a body of knowledge to be brought widely into the public arena that could be unifying in its impact on human awareness and culture.”
Bigelow, who is also known for his funding of research into whether aliens exists, told Mystery Wire that his interest in the topic of an afterlife was prompted by the deaths of many of his loved ones.
“To me, it’s pretty damn important… what is it? What it all about, that you should be preparing for? Does it matter how you conduct your life here?” Bigelow added.
According to the BICS website, those who wish to submit an entry must have investigated the topic of the afterlife for at least five years.
They have to first submit an application outlining their qualifications and experience by February 28. Those who are successful can submit their essays—not exceeding 25,000 words—online by August 1. They will be judged by a panel of experts and winners will be announced on November 1.
