About Us
Our Mission
Null Hypothesis 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.
The Problem We're Solving
Publication Bias
Research with positive or "statistically significant" results is much more likely to be published than studies with negative or inconclusive findings. This creates a skewed scientific record and can lead to wasted resources as researchers unknowingly repeat studies that have already produced negative results.
The "File Drawer Problem"
It's estimated that up to 50% of completed biomedical research studies remain unpublished. This "dark data" represents a massive loss of scientific knowledge, research funding, and effort.
Lack of Guidance
Many researchers struggle with knowing how to frame and where to publish negative results, leading them to abandon publication efforts entirely.
Our Approach
AI-Powered Analysis
Our platform uses advanced AI to analyze the methodology, strength, and context of your negative findings, then suggests the optimal framing and publication venues based on a comprehensive classification framework.
Classification System
We've developed a systematic approach to classifying negative research based on factors like study design rigor, power, methodology, and the nature of the negative finding. This allows for targeted recommendation of publication strategies.
Abstract Generation
Our system generates draft abstracts that properly frame negative findings in ways that highlight their scientific value, helping researchers overcome the initial hurdle of manuscript preparation.
Microgrant Program
To further incentivize publication of negative results, we offer monthly microgrants awarded randomly to researchers who successfully publish their work after using our tool (as verified through DOI submission).
Our Team
Null Hypothesis 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.
Operations
Dr. Hugo Stephenson
Dr. Hugo Stephenson is a physician, clinical trials innovator, and co-founder of the Null Hypothesis project. With over two decades of experience advancing medical research, he champions the publication of negative and inconclusive results to strengthen scientific integrity and accelerate evidence-based progress in healthcare and life sciences.
A/Prof. Sandra Petty
A/Prof Sandra Petty is a co-founder and originator of the Null Hypothesis project, a neurologist, lab and clinical researcher, and advocate for research integrity. With expertise in epilepsy and bone medicine, she oversees the scientific and medical integrity of the program.
Prof. Howard Bauchner
Dr. Howard Bauchner, former Editor-in-Chief of JAMA, is a leading voice in medical publishing and research transparency. Now Chair of the Null Hypothesis Scientific Advisory Committee, he brings decades of editorial leadership and a deep commitment to ensuring that high-quality negative and inconclusive findings are visible, valued, and discoverable.
Board of Directors
Dr. David Tovey, MBBS
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. A GP-turned-global evidence leader, David champions actionable, policy-relevant research, with a deep focus on transparency and utility for health and social care decision-making.
Dr. Annalisa Jenkins, MBBS FRCP
A biotech leader and rare disease advocate, Annalisa has led global clinical and regulatory programs at Dimension Therapeutics, Merck Serono, and BMS. A former Royal Navy medical officer, she champions diversity in science and serves on boards including the FDA Science Board and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Eric Jaffe, AIA, NCARB
A global leader in research-focused architecture, Eric directs science and technology design projects at HDR. His portfolio spans academic and pharma innovation spaces for institutions like Duke and Novartis. He brings deep insight into how physical research environments can advance discovery, collaboration, and institutional identity.
Carrie Delente, BFA
Founder of Enforme Interactive, Carrie has shaped digital strategy for academic journals and scientific organizations for over 25 years. She leads large-scale platforms that support physician education and research dissemination, with a passion for intuitive design and community engagement across science, healthcare, and the arts.
Dr. Robert A. Gross, MD PhD
Neurologist and former Editor-in-Chief of Neurology®, Robert is a thought leader in neuropharmacology and epilepsy. With prior roles at Harvard, Michigan, and Rochester, his work bridges cellular neuroscience and clinical trials. He is widely respected for advancing rigorous editorial standards and epilepsy drug development.
Scientific Advisory Committee
Dr. Devon Crawford, PhD
Devon Crawford is a Program Director at the NIH's NINDS, where she advances research culture, rigor, and transparency. She also supports diversity and inclusion initiatives within the BRAIN Initiative. Devon holds a PhD in neuroscience and brings deep expertise in experimental quality and policy-driven scientific improvement.
Dr. Luis-Gabriel Cuervo, MD
Luis-Gabriel Cuervo is PAHO/WHO's Senior Advisor on Research for Health and a global leader in evidence-based policy, equity, and research governance. A clinical epidemiologist, he has advanced Cochrane, trial registries, and EQUATOR standards, championing efforts to reduce research waste and increase the value of health science.
Deborah Dixon
Deborah Dixon is Publishing Director for Medical Journals at Oxford University Press and a leader in scholarly publishing. With a background in biochemistry and medical research, she serves on multiple industry boards and brings deep experience in advancing scientific dissemination through academic publishing and professional society engagement.
Prof. Ana Marušić, MD PhD
Ana Marušić is Professor at the University of Split and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Global Health. A global leader in research integrity, she has shaped clinical trial registration policies and serves on COPE, EQUATOR, and Cochrane leadership teams, championing responsible research and evidence-based medicine.
Julie Wood
Julie Wood is Senior Director at Vivli, where she leads operations for global data sharing. A former Cochrane and Oxfam communications leader, she co-chairs NIH's GREI initiative and advocates for open, accessible research infrastructures that support reproducibility, collaboration, and public trust in science.
Contact Us
The Null Hypothesis initiative is hosted by the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, Center for Biomedical Research Transparency. If you have any questions about the initiative please contact:
Null Hypothesis InitiativeC/- Center for Biomedical Research Transparency
1357 Broadway #141
New York, NY, 10018
UNITED STATES
Email: support@cbmrt.org
