Research & Search
Research agent skills teach AI agents to gather and synthesize information properly: literature reviews, competitive analysis, web research with citations, and structured summaries. Each SKILL.md encodes a method, not just a prompt, so results stay consistent across runs.
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ferroxlabs Skill Relocate To New City 2Guides the user through relocating to a new city from neighborhood research through settling in, chaining destination comparison, budgeting, job search, moving logistics, and home evaluation skills across multiple categories. Use when the user is moving to a new city, relocating for work, or planning a geographic move to an unfamiliar area. Do NOT use for international immigration processes, military relocations with assigned housing, or temporary travel stays.
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ferroxlabs Skill Note Synthesis 2Synthesizes and connects concepts across multiple sets of notes for learners, identifying patterns, contradictions, and relationships between sources. Produces an integrative summary that goes beyond individual note sets. Use when a learner asks to connect ideas across notes, synthesize multiple readings, find patterns across study materials, or integrate notes from different lectures or sources. Do NOT use for single-source note taking (use `cornell-notes`), for concept mapping of one topic (use `concept-mapping`), or for academic literature review (use `literature-search`).
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ferroxlabs Skill Abstract Writing 2Writes structured academic abstracts that state the problem, method, key findings, and implications in 150-300 words. Enforces findings-first writing over coverage descriptions. Use when the user asks to write an abstract for a research paper, thesis, conference submission, or journal article. Do NOT use for executive summaries (different format), paper introductions (use research-paper-structure), or literature review summaries (use literature-review).
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ferroxlabs Skill Thesis Statement 2Crafts focused, arguable, specific thesis statements for academic papers, essays, and dissertations. Distinguishes between descriptive and argumentative thesis types and tests for strength. Use when the user asks to write a thesis statement, develop a central argument, or create the core claim for an academic paper or essay. Do NOT use for full paper structure (use research-paper-structure), abstract writing (use abstract-writing), or non-academic arguments (use different writing skills).
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ferroxlabs Skill Literature Review 2Writes thematic literature reviews that synthesize sources into argument-driven narratives rather than sequential summaries. Identifies patterns, gaps, and contradictions across existing research. Use when the user asks to write a literature review, survey existing research, synthesize sources, or map the scholarly landscape on a topic. Do NOT use for single-paper summaries, annotated bibliographies, or research paper structure (use research-paper-structure for full papers).
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ferroxlabs Skill True Crime Writer 2Complete true crime writing guide covering research methodology, FOIA requests, interview techniques, ethical considerations, victim sensitivity, narrative structure, fact-checking protocols, and legal liability awareness. Use when the user asks about true crime writer, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain. Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of true crime writer or requires a different specialized skill.
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ferroxlabs Skill Grant Proposal Writer 2Government and research grant proposal development covering federal agencies (NIH, NSF, DOE), state programs, and academic research grants. Includes proposal structure, budget narratives, logic models, evaluation plans, compliance, and post-award management. Use when the user asks about grant proposal writer, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain. Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of grant proposal writer or requires a different specialized skill.
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ferroxlabs Skill Knowledge Base Writer 2Expert knowledge base articles covering article taxonomy, search optimization, troubleshooting article format, how-to article format, conceptual article format, FAQ design, article templates, feedback integration, and content lifecycle. Use when the user asks about knowledge base writer, knowledge base writer best practices, or needs guidance on knowledge base writer implementation. Do NOT use when the user needs a different specialized skill or is asking about an unrelated technology domain.
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ferroxlabs Skill Research Communicator 2Expert guidance for communicating research findings to non-specialist audiences through press releases, lay summaries, conference presentations, media interviews, and public engagement strategies. Use when the user asks about research communicator, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain. Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of research communicator or requires a different specialized skill.
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ferroxlabs Skill T Shirt Designer 2Complete t-shirt design guidance covering design for print methods (DTG, screen print, sublimation), mockup creation, print-on-demand platforms (Printful, Redbubble, Merch by Amazon), niche research and market strategy, marketplace optimization, file preparation, and building a sustainable apparel design business. Use when the user asks about t shirt designer or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
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ferroxlabs Skill Permit Research 2Guides the user through the process of determining whether a home improvement project requires a building permit, how to research local requirements, and how to navigate the permit application process. Produces a research checklist and permit decision framework. Use when the user asks whether they need a permit, how to find local building codes, how to apply for a building permit, or what happens if they skip a permit. Do NOT use for commercial construction permits, zoning variance applications, or specific jurisdiction permit rules (this skill teaches the research process, not jurisdiction-specific requirements).
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ferroxlabs Skill Pricing Architect 2Synthesizes Value-based pricing, Cost-plus pricing, Competitive pricing, Freemium models, and Willingness-to-pay research into The Price Architecture Framework - a systematic approach to setting prices that capture value and grow revenue. Use when the user asks about pricing architect, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain. Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of pricing architect or requires a different specialized skill.
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ferroxlabs Skill Grant Proposal Writing 2Writes grant proposals with specific aims, significance, innovation, approach, and budget justification sections following standard funding agency formats (NIH, NSF, private foundations). Use when the user asks to write a grant proposal, funding application, research funding request, or specific aims page. Do NOT use for business proposals (use business skills), scholarship applications (different format), or research paper writing (use research-paper-structure).
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vamseeachanta Skill Scientific Problem Selection Graduate Students Primary A 2Sub-skill of scientific-problem-selection: Graduate Students (Primary Audience) (+3).
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vamseeachanta Skill Scientific Problem Selection Immediate After Completing 2Sub-skill of scientific-problem-selection: Immediate (After Completing Workflow) (+2).
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vamseeachanta Skill Allotrope Tier1 Native Parsing Preferred 2Sub-skill of instrument-data-allotrope: Tier 1: Native allotropy parsing (PREFERRED) (+2).
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ferroxlabs Skill Adopt A Pet 2Complete pet adoption workflow from research and lifestyle assessment through home preparation, finding and adopting the right pet, and successful integration into your household for a happy pet and confident owner. Use when the user wants to adopt a pet or needs a structured multi-step process for this goal. Do NOT use when the request is a single-step task or requires professional advice beyond educational guidance.
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ferroxlabs Skill Renovate A House 2Guides the user through a home renovation from budget planning through project completion, chaining renovation budgeting, financing, permit research, contractor evaluation, DIY assessment, project management, and finish selection skills across four categories. Use when the user wants to renovate a home, remodel rooms, or plan a major home improvement project. Do NOT use for minor repairs (use home-repair-first-response), routine maintenance (use annual-home-maintenance), or new home construction.
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ferroxlabs Skill Start A Business 2Guided business launch workflow from business planning and market research through pricing strategy, brand identity, social media presence, and financial management for new entrepreneurs starting a service-based or product-based business. Use when the user wants to start a business or needs a structured multi-step process for this goal. Do NOT use when the request is a single-step task or requires professional advice beyond educational guidance.
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ferroxlabs Skill Debate Coach 2Expert debate preparation and coaching covering argument construction (claim-evidence-warrant), major debate formats (Lincoln-Douglas, Parliamentary, Policy), rebuttal strategies, cross-examination techniques, logical fallacy identification, research methodology, flowing (note-taking), and judging criteria. Use when the user asks about debate coach or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
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ferroxlabs Skill Grant Writer 2Professional grant writing guide covering prospect research, letters of inquiry, full proposal development, budget construction, evaluation plans, compliance requirements, and post-award management for successful funding acquisition. Use when the user asks about grant writer, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain. Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of grant writer or requires a different specialized skill.
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ferroxlabs Skill Go Back To School 2Complete returning student workflow covering program research, application strategy, financial planning, academic preparation, and success systems for adult learners going back to school at any stage of life. Use when the user wants to go back to school or needs a structured multi-step process for this goal. Do NOT use when the request is a single-step task or requires professional advice beyond educational guidance.
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ferroxlabs Skill Research Advisor 2Research methodology guidance covering literature review strategies, source evaluation using the CRAAP test, citation management, research question formulation, methodology selection (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods), academic writing structure, and plagiarism avoidance. Use when the user asks about research advisor, or needs help with research methodology guidance covering literature review strategies, source evaluation using the craap test, citation management, research question formulation, methodology selection (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods), academic writing structure, and plagiarism avoidance. Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of research advisor.
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ferroxlabs Skill Habit Tracker 2Habit formation guide built on behavioral science research covering the behavior design loop, implementation intentions, progressive scaling, tracking methods, breaking bad habits, identity-based change, and the science of habit formation. Use when the user asks about habit tracker, or needs help with habit formation guide built on behavioral science research covering the behavior design loop, implementation intentions, progressive scaling, tracking methods, breaking bad habits, identity-based change, and the science of habit formation. Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of habit tracker.
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ferroxlabs Skill Citation Reference 2Formats citations and reference lists in APA, MLA, Chicago, or IEEE style with precise adherence to each style's rules. Converts between styles and checks citation accuracy. Use when the user asks to format citations, create a reference list, convert citation styles, or check citation formatting against a specific style guide. Do NOT use for literature review writing (use literature-review), paper structure (use research-paper-structure), or general editing (use copy-editing).
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ferroxlabs Skill Non Fiction Author 2Complete research-to-manuscript workflow for non-fiction books, covering topic validation, audience definition, competitive analysis, research methodology, outline construction, writing schedule, manuscript structure, and citation management. Use when the user asks about non fiction author or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
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ferroxlabs Skill Survey Design 2Produces a complete survey with question set in recommended order, question type selection (Likert, multiple choice, open text, matrix) with rationale, response scale definitions, and an analysis plan for each question. Does not assume statistical background. Use when the user asks to create a survey, design a questionnaire, build a feedback form, or plan a research survey with analysis methodology. Do NOT use for interview guide creation (use qualitative-coding for interview analysis), A/B test design (use ab-test-design), or market sizing research (use competitive-intelligence).
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ferroxlabs Skill Literature Search 2Creates systematic literature search strategies with database selection, keyword combinations, Boolean operators, and inclusion/exclusion criteria for learners conducting academic research. Produces a complete search protocol -- not advice on why literature reviews matter. Use when a learner asks to search for academic sources, find research papers, create a literature search strategy, or build a systematic review protocol. Do NOT use for evaluating source credibility (use `source-evaluation`), for writing the literature review itself (use writing category skills), or for citation formatting (use `citation-management`).
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ferroxlabs Skill Source Evaluation 2Evaluates source credibility and relevance using the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) and SIFT method for learners assessing research sources. Produces a completed evaluation with credibility ratings -- not a tutorial on critical thinking. Use when a learner asks to evaluate a source, check if a source is credible, assess research quality, or determine if a source is suitable for academic work. Do NOT use for finding sources (use `literature-search`), for citation formatting (use `citation-management`), or for writing about sources (use `annotated-bibliography`).
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ferroxlabs Skill Art Grant Applicant 2Helps artists and creative organizations research grant opportunities, write compelling proposals, build project budgets, and manage post-award reporting for arts funding from public agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors. Use when the user asks about art grant applicant, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain. Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of art grant applicant or requires a different specialized skill.
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ferroxlabs Skill Academic Integrity 2Teaches learners paraphrasing, quotation, attribution, and plagiarism avoidance skills for academic writing. Produces practice exercises and self-checks for maintaining academic integrity -- not a policy document. Use when a learner asks about avoiding plagiarism, learning to paraphrase, understanding citation requirements, or practicing attribution in academic writing. Do NOT use for citation format specifics (use `citation-management`), for writing the paper itself (use writing category skills), or for institutional policy questions (refer to their institution).
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ferroxlabs Skill Trip Planner 2Complete trip itinerary creation guide covering destination research, day-by-day planning, transportation logistics, accommodation selection, booking timing optimization, budget allocation, must-see vs hidden gems balance, and itinerary templates for weekend, week, and two-week trips. Use when the user asks about trip planner, or needs help with complete trip itinerary creation guide covering destination research, day-by-day planning, transportation logistics, accommodation selection, booking timing optimization, budget allocation, must-see vs hidden gems balance, and itinerary templates for weekend, week, and two-week trips. Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of trip planner.
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ferroxlabs Skill Readability Improvement 2Improves text readability by reducing complexity, shortening sentences, simplifying vocabulary, and restructuring for scan-ability. Targets a specific reading level or audience. Use when the user asks to make text more readable, reduce the reading level, simplify language, or make content accessible to a broader audience. Do NOT use for clarity of specific passages (use clarity-editing), conciseness without readability goals (use conciseness-editing), or academic writing conventions (use research-paper-structure).
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ferroxlabs Skill Ab Test Design 2Designs A/B tests with hypothesis, control and variant definitions, primary metric, sample size calculation, test duration, and analysis plan using experimentation methodology. Use when the user asks about A/B testing, experiment design, split testing, hypothesis testing, or controlled experiments. Do NOT use for statistical analysis of completed tests (use a statistics skill), survey design (use employee-survey or user-research-plan), or feature prioritization (use prioritization-framework).
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ferroxlabs Skill Qualitative Coding 2Produces a qualitative coding scheme for interview transcripts or open-text survey responses. Includes initial code list, code definitions, example quotes per code, inter-rater reliability protocol, and thematic synthesis template. Use when the user asks to analyze interview data, code open-ended survey responses, build a coding scheme for qualitative research, or synthesize themes from text data. Do NOT use for survey design (use survey-design), automated sentiment analysis (use sentiment-analysis-guide), or large-scale text mining (use text-mining-protocol).
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ferroxlabs Skill Research Synthesis 2Synthesizes multiple sources into a structured research summary: source quality assessment, finding extraction, theme identification, evidence strength rating, and contradiction mapping. Produces a research brief, not a literature review. Use when the user asks to summarize findings from multiple reports, articles, or studies, compare conclusions across sources, identify consensus and disagreement in research, or produce an evidence-based brief for decision-making. Do NOT use for qualitative coding of interview data (use qualitative-coding), automated text mining of large corpora (use text-mining-protocol), or designing original research surveys (use survey-design).
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Frequently asked questions
What are Research & Search agent skills?
Research agent skills teach AI agents to gather and synthesize information properly: literature reviews, competitive analysis, web research with citations, and structured summaries. Each SKILL.md encodes a method, not just a prompt, so results stay consistent across runs.
Which Research & Search skills are most installed?
Popular Research & Search skills on SkillMD right now include relocate-to-new-city, note-synthesis, abstract-writing. Rankings shift as installs change; sort this page by "Most installs" for the live list.
Do Research & Search skills work with Claude Code and Cursor?
Yes. Every skill here ships as a SKILL.md file, an open format that works in Claude Code, Claude.ai, Cursor, Codex, Windsurf, and 60+ other agents. Install one with npx skillmds@latest add <owner>/<name>, or copy the file into your agent's skills directory.