diff --git a/modules/epistemics/domain/experience.go b/modules/epistemics/domain/experience.go
index d9cc5a6..b1d90d7 100644
--- a/modules/epistemics/domain/experience.go
+++ b/modules/epistemics/domain/experience.go
@@ -25,6 +25,9 @@ func NewSystemExpectation(value epistemics.SystemExpectation) (epistemics.System
 		value.RecordedAtUnixMillis < 1 {
 		return epistemics.SystemExpectation{}, ErrInvalidExpectation
 	}
+	if value.EvidenceBasis == nil {
+		value.EvidenceBasis = []epistemics.EvidenceRef{}
+	}
 	return value, nil
 }
 
@@ -41,6 +44,12 @@ func NewExperienceRecord(value epistemics.ExperienceRecord) (epistemics.Experien
 		value.ConfidenceMillis < 0 || value.ConfidenceMillis > 1000 || value.RecordedAtUnixMillis < 1 {
 		return epistemics.ExperienceRecord{}, ErrInvalidExperience
 	}
+	if value.ContextRefs == nil {
+		value.ContextRefs = []epistemics.ContextRef{}
+	}
+	if value.VerificationEvidence == nil {
+		value.VerificationEvidence = []epistemics.EvidenceRef{}
+	}
 	return value, nil
 }
 
@@ -81,6 +90,9 @@ func ValidateReflectionCandidate(value epistemics.ReflectionCandidate) error {
 		value.RecordedAtUnixMillis < 1 || value.Revision < 1 {
 		return ErrInvalidReflectionCandidate
 	}
+	if value.EvidenceRefs == nil {
+		value.EvidenceRefs = []epistemics.EvidenceRef{}
+	}
 	return nil
 }