About OZma Society

Make advancing science part of your legacy

OZma Society members are committed to the scientific pursuit of evidence demonstrating the existence of intelligent life in the Universe. The long-term nature of SETI motivates members to the SETI Institute in their estate plans. Members receive special access - including invitations to exclusive events, special publications and information and special recognition.

Origin of Ozma

Frank Drake described the Land of Oz, a fictional city in 16 books by Frank Baum, as “very far away, difficult to reach, and populated by strange and exotic beings.” Its ruler was the immortal Princess Ozma.

This was a charming metaphor for worlds that might be home to extraterrestrial intelligence. So Drake chose it as the name for his pioneering SETI experiment, Project OZma.

Thanks to advances in both science and technology, today’s SETI scientists have traveled far down the yellow brick road en route to their destination: The discovery of sentient beings elsewhere. This is the lure and the promise of the OZma Society.

Membership benefits

include the following:

You will be acknowledged in publications including our annual Explorer Magazine, unless you wish to remain anonymous.
We will send you the special publications and communications related to SETI Institute research progress, news and more, including the SETI Institute Research Activity Report.
You will receive invitations to special members-only events such as our annual VIP reception at the Drake and insider tour at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory. We’ll honor you by listing your name at many SETI Institute events.