We at UFO Research Queensland knew Dr Martin Gottschall as an explorer, scientist, inventor, teacher, cosmologist and researcher whose life was filled with scientific and intellectual pursuits, as well as deep spiritual explorations. It was this unique combination of qualities that many people admired and drew them to him.
Martin entered UFO research in the 1960s during his first marriage, catapulted by his wife’s close daylight UFO sighting above their home. Martin didn’t see the UFO but wanted to, so he and his wife jumped in their car to follow, but never saw it again. This experience was a game changer for Martin, and the beginning of a 45-year quest dedicated to understanding the UFO phenomenon. Previous to this he had plans to work for NASA and have a career in the space sciences, but this one event changed his life direction and ultimately his life purpose.
Early in life Martin dreamed of being an engineer and accomplished his dream receiving various degrees in applied science and engineering, later being awarded a PhD in Engineering. It was this training that he applied to his UFO pursuits wanting to understand UFO propulsion. He often joked how his passion for the UFO subject had hijacked his life plans, causing him to deprogram himself from academic indoctrination so his mind could be free enough to make room for the UFO reality.
The contact number for UFO Research Queensland has been located at the home of Martin and Sheryl Gottschall for many years, which Sheryl still maintains today. It is on the end of this phone line where thousands of people have reported their UFO sightings and close encounters, and Martin did this work with much enthusiasm. Martin held the position of President of UFORQ for three years from 1988, then Spokesperson for 20 years until his illness, undertaking many hundreds of media interviews on radio, newspapers and current affair television shows.
During his time with UFO Research Queensland Martin undertook many tasks and projects. As well as President he held the positions of Editor, Sightings Officer and Public Relations Officer. In 1992 Martin, with his wife Sheryl, established the first close encounter support group in Brisbane. Martin was very interested in using technology to make ET contact, and about the year 2000 started the Contact Project using his inventor skills to convert a ham radio set. He became very interested in gravity and time travel from a scientific perspective, giving many presentations on both of these subjects and how they might be used for UFO propulsion systems. His last public presentation was on the topic of time travel at the 50th anniversary UFORQ conference in 2006.
From the time he entered the UFO field Martin’s interest never waned, and many looked up to him as a mentor, the go-to guy in UFORQ. It was once mentioned to Sheryl that Martin was considered the grandfather of Australian Ufology, and this was probably true. Martin has four sons and a stepdaughter. His wife Sheryl continues as President of UFO Research Queensland.
