Our Mission
Null Compass aims to transform negative or inconclusive research findings into valuable scientific contributions by helping biomedical researchers properly classify, frame, and publish these results.
We believe that addressing publication bias is crucial for scientific progress. By providing researchers with the tools and guidance to publish their negative findings, we help create a more complete scientific record and reduce redundant research.
Our Timeline
2017
A/Prof Sandra Petty and Dr Hugo Stephenson founded the Center for Biomedical Research Transparency and the Null Hypothesis initiative to create space for null results in major biomedical journals.
Development Phase
The CBMRT team developed a systematic approach to classifying negative research based on factors like study design rigor, statistical power, methodology, and the nature of the result. They also supported created space in leading journals for hundreds of authors to publish their negative results.
2023+ AI Integration
The team privately hosted and trained their own LLM (based on Meta LLAMA) to analyze core aspects of null findings and suggest tailored options for publication based on a unique classification framework. The LLM would also generates a draft abstract that highlighted the scientific value of the study, inspiring researchers overcome a key hurdle in the publication process.
2024
The project received a significant grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, enabling wide deployment, community feedback, and scaling.
Today
The Compass is openly available for all researchers seeking to publish their negative results.
About CBMRT
The Null Compass initiative is hosted by the Centre for Biomedical Research Transparency (CBMRT), a New York based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the discoverability and integrity of all biomedical research — including negative and inconclusive findings.
Our Team
Null Compass was developed by a team of biomedical researchers, data scientists, and publication ethics advocates committed to improving the scientific record through increased transparency and publication of negative findings.
Our operations team consists of experienced biomedical researchers and clinical innovators who lead the development and scientific oversight of the Null Compass platform.
Dr. Hugo Stephenson
Project Lead & Co-Founder
Clinical trials innovator and clinician with over 20 years of experience in medical research. Champions the publication of negative results to strengthen scientific integrity.
A/Prof. Sandra Petty
Co-Founder & Scientific Director
Neurologist, medical educator, clinical and lab researcher specializing in epilepsy and bone medicine. Strong advocate for research integrity and evidence-based medicine.
Prof. Howard Bauchner
Chair, SAC
Former Editor-in-Chief of JAMA and leading voice in medical publishing and research transparency. Brings decades of editorial leadership and commitment to ensuring high-quality negative findings are visible and valued.
Dr. Emma Burrows
Communications
Neuroscientist who cares about making clinical research more accessible and patient-focused, as well as building communities that support research innovation. Passionate about making science understandable to all.
Our Scientific Advisory Committee includes distinguished medical professionals and researchers who guide our strategic direction and ensure scientific rigor.
Prof. Howard Bauchner
Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee
Former Editor-in-Chief of JAMA and leading voice in medical publishing and research transparency. Brings decades of editorial leadership and commitment to ensuring high-quality negative findings are visible and valued.
Dr. Devon Crawford, PhD
Scientific Advisor
Program Director at NIH's NINDS advancing research culture, rigor, and transparency. Supports diversity and inclusion initiatives within the BRAIN Initiative with PhD in neuroscience.
Dr. Luis-Gabriel Cuervo, MD
Scientific Advisor
PAHO/WHO's Senior Advisor on Research for Health and global leader in evidence-based policy. Clinical epidemiologist championing efforts to reduce research waste and increase value of health science.
Deborah Dixon
Scientific Advisor
Publishing Director for Medical Journals at Oxford University Press and leader in scholarly publishing. Background in biochemistry and medical research with deep experience in scientific dissemination.
Prof. Ana Marušić, MD PhD
Scientific Advisor
Professor at University of Split and Co-Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Global Health. Global leader in research integrity who has shaped clinical trial registration policies and serves on COPE, EQUATOR, and Cochrane leadership teams.
Julie Wood
Scientific Advisor
Senior Director at Vivli leading global data sharing operations. Former Cochrane and Oxfam communications leader who co-chairs NIH's GREI initiative and advocates for open, accessible research infrastructures.
Our Board of Directors provides governance oversight and strategic direction for the Null Compass initiative.
Dr. David Tovey, MBBS
Scientific Advisor
Chair of the CBMRT Scientific Advisory Committee and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. Former Cochrane Library Editor-in-Chief and BMJ Editorial Director.
Dr. Annalisa Jenkins, MBBS FRCP
Board Member
Biotech leader and rare disease advocate. Former Royal Navy medical officer who has led global clinical and regulatory programs at Dimension Therapeutics, Merck Serono, and BMS.
Eric Jaffe, AIA, NCARB
Board Member
Global leader in research-focused architecture directing science and technology design projects at HDR. His portfolio spans academic and pharma innovation spaces for institutions like Duke and Novartis.
Carrie Delente, BFA
Board Member
Founder of Enforme Interactive, shaping digital strategy for academic journals and scientific organizations for over 25 years. Leads large-scale platforms supporting physician education and research dissemination.
Dr. Robert A. Gross, MD PhD
Board Member
Neurologist and former Editor-in-Chief of Neurology®. Thought leader in neuropharmacology and epilepsy with prior roles at Harvard, Michigan, and Rochester. Widely respected for advancing rigorous editorial standards.
