Ending publication bias: A values-based approach to surface null and negative results.
Curry Stephen, Mercado-Lara Eunice, Arechavala-Gomeza Virginia, Begley C Glenn, Bernard Christophe, Bernard René, Bertuzzi Stefano, Bhalla Needhi, Bowers Dawn, Brod Samuel, Chambers Christopher, Dougherty Michael R, Bueso Yensi Flores, Forner Stefânia, Freeman Alexandra L J, Haas Magali, Henderson Darla P, Khanna Kanika, Lawrence Rebecca, Liakath-Ali Kif, Liu Christine, Malhotra Neil, Merino José G, Miguel Edward, Miles Rachel, Munson Mary, Nakagawa Shinichi, Nobles Robert, Owango Joy, Pham Michel Tuan, Poe Gina, Ramirez Alexandra N, Sarabipour Sarvenaz, Silverman Jill L, Smith Laura N, Sriramarao P, Sternberg Paul W, Swamy Geeta K, Tansey Malú Gámez, Torres Gonzalo E, Turner Erick H, von Klinggraeff Lauren, Weis-Garcia Frances
PLoS biology · 2025 · PMID 40991668
Sharing knowledge is a basic tenet of the scientific community, yet publication bias arising from the reluctance or inability to publish negative or null results remains a long-standing and deep-seated problem, albeit one that varies in severity between disciplines and study types. Recognizing that previous endeavors to address the issue have been fragmentary and largely unsuccessful, this Consensus View proposes concrete and concerted measures that major stakeholders can take to create and incentivize new pathways for publishing negative results. Funders, research institutions, publishers, learned societies, and the research community all have a role in making this an achievable norm that will buttress public trust in science.