Semir Osmanagić (born June 1, 1960), also known as Sam Osmanagich, is a Bosnian businessman and author. He is best known for promoting his pseudo-archaeological project in central Bosnia (near the town of Visoko) related to the so-called "Bosnian pyramids". Osmanagić claims that a cluster of natural hills in central Bosnia and Herzegovina are the largest human-made ancient pyramids on Earth. He has conducted extensive marketing about the site and promoted tourism there. An enthusiast of pyramids, Osmanagić completed a doctorate in social sciences but does not have a science background in any archaeological field. Professional geologists, archaeologists and other scientists have directly refuted his claims about the central Bosnian hills; they have concluded – after direct analysis of the site, its known history, and excavations – that the hills are common natural formations known as flatirons with no signs of human construction. Early life and career Osmanagić was born in Zenica, PR Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia. After graduating from University of Sarajevo, he ran an import-export business for seven years. In 1992 as the Bosnian War was breaking out, he immigrated to the United States. He settled in Houston, Texas, where he found a job as a marketing assistant for a company producing parts for oil and gas wells. He was promoted to manager and minority owner in the firm, holding a five percent stake in 1999. Osmanagić founded the manufacturing company Met Company, Inc. in Houston in 1995, and continues to be its owner and CEO. In 2006, he founded the Bosnian Pyramids of the Sun Foundation, to support excavations and construction of an "archaeological park" at the site. He has served from the beginning as its executive director. He holds a master's degree in international economics and politics. He completed a doctoral degree in social sciences in 2009; both degrees were obtained from the University of Sarajevo. In 2009 he became a member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences which has come under criticism for promoting pseudoscientific theories; a large number of the purported academy's members also had no formal education in natural sciences or any scientific credentials in applicable fields of research. This association should not be confused with the Russian Academy of Sciences, which has reputable standing among the international community of scientists. Bosnian pyramids claim In April 2005, Osmanagić was invited to visit Visočica and its fortress ruins. During the visit Osmanagić noticed