# Research Brief

> Research a topic across several sources and write a cited brief (use when the user asks you to research / "look into" / summarize a topic from the web)

- Skill: `0pen-sourcer/research-brief` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add 0pen-sourcer/research-brief`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/0pen-sourcer/research-brief/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: 0pen-Sourcer (https://skillmd.com/u/0pen-sourcer)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/0pen-sourcer/research-brief

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# Research brief

Turn a question into a short, honest, cited brief — several sources, not one, every claim traceable.

## Steps

1. State the question in one sentence. If it is broad, pick the 2-4 sub-questions that actually matter.
2. `web_search` the topic. Skim the result titles and pick the 3-5 most credible, most relevant links (prefer primary sources, official docs, and reputable outlets over SEO blogspam).
3. `web_fetch` each chosen link with a focused prompt for what you need from THAT page. Pull facts, numbers, and quotes; note the URL each came from.
4. Cross-check: when two sources disagree, say so instead of silently picking one.
5. `write_file` the brief as markdown (to a path the user chose, or `~/Documents/`):
   - **TL;DR** — 2-3 sentence answer up top.
   - **Key findings** — bullets, each with its source link.
   - **Caveats / unknowns** — what the sources did not settle.
   - **Sources** — the list of URLs used.
6. Give the user the TL;DR in chat plus the file path.

## Don't

- Don't rely on a single source — a brief from one page is just that page.
- Don't state anything as fact that no source supports; mark it clearly as your own inference.
- Don't pad with filler. Short and honest beats long and vague.
- Don't fetch 15 pages when 3-5 good ones answer it.