diff --git a/code/modules/research/rdconsole.dm b/code/modules/research/rdconsole.dm
index ee42a960299..896a1942948 100644
--- a/code/modules/research/rdconsole.dm
+++ b/code/modules/research/rdconsole.dm
@@ -956,7 +956,7 @@ won't update every console in existence) but it's more of a hassle to do. Also,
 		// This could be expensive, and will still be called
 		// if the timer calls this function
 		deltimer(wait_message_timer)
-		wait_message_timer = 0
+		wait_message_timer = null
 	SStgui.update_uis(src)