# Research Synthesis

> > **OpenClaw Integration:** This skill is invoked by the Dojo Genesis plugin via `/dojo run research-synthesis`.

- Skill: `dojogenesis/research-synthesis-2` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add dojogenesis/research-synthesis-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/dojogenesis/research-synthesis-2/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: DojoGenesis (https://skillmd.com/u/dojogenesis)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/dojogenesis/research-synthesis-2

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> **OpenClaw Integration:** This skill is invoked by the Dojo Genesis plugin via `/dojo run research-synthesis`.
> The agent receives project context automatically via the `before_agent_start` hook.
> Use `dojo_get_context` for full state, `dojo_save_artifact` to persist outputs,
> and `dojo_update_state` to record phase transitions and decisions.

# Research Synthesis Engine

**Version:** 1.0  
**Created:** 2026-02-08  
**Author:** Manus AI  
**Purpose:** To turn raw research into a coherent understanding of a topic, identifying patterns, contradictions, and key recommendations.

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## I. The Philosophy: From Information to Insight

This skill transforms the act of research from a process of information gathering to a process of insight generation. By systematically cataloging, cross-referencing, and synthesizing multiple sources, it uncovers patterns and contradictions that are not visible from any single source, leading to a deeper, more actionable understanding.

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## II. When to Use This Skill

- **When you have 3 or more research files** on a single topic.
- **When you need to create a literature review** or a competitive analysis.
- **When you want to consolidate notes** from multiple meetings or interviews.
- **When the `planning-with-files` meta-skill routes to this mode.**

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## III. The Workflow

This is a 5-step workflow for synthesizing multiple research files.

### Step 1: File Ingestion and Cataloging

**Goal:** Read all uploaded research files and create a structured catalog.

1.  **Read Files:** Use the `file` tool to read each uploaded file (use `view` for PDFs).
2.  **Extract Metadata:** Identify author, date, and key topics for each file.
3.  **Create Catalog:** Create an internal catalog document listing all files and their metadata.

### Step 2: Cross-Referencing and Pattern Identification

**Goal:** Identify patterns, contradictions, and connections across all files.

1.  **Identify Themes:** Read through the catalog to identify recurring themes.
2.  **Note Convergence:** Where do the sources agree?
3.  **Note Divergence:** Where do the sources disagree or contradict each other?
4.  **Identify Gaps:** What topics are mentioned in one source but not others?
5.  **Create Cross-Reference Matrix:** Create an internal matrix to map themes to sources.

### Step 3: Synthesis Document Creation

**Goal:** Create a unified synthesis document that integrates findings from all files.

1.  **Organize by Themes:** Structure the document by the themes identified in Step 2 (not by individual files).
2.  **Summarize Evidence:** For each theme, summarize the convergent evidence and highlight contradictions.
3.  **Provide Key Insights:** For each theme, provide a key insight that is not obvious from any single source.
4.  **Include Actionable Recommendations:** Provide a list of concrete next steps based on the synthesis.
5.  **Cite Sources:** Include citations to the specific files that support each claim.

### Step 4: Validation and Refinement

**Goal:** Ensure the synthesis is accurate, complete, and actionable.

1.  **Review for Accuracy:** Check that all claims are supported by the source files.
2.  **Check for Completeness:** Ensure all major themes and contradictions are covered.
3.  **Verify Actionability:** Ensure that recommendations are concrete and can be implemented.

### Step 5: Delivery

**Goal:** Deliver the synthesis to the user with clear next steps.

1.  **Send Synthesis:** Use the `message` tool to send the synthesis document as an attachment.
2.  **Summarize:** Briefly summarize the key insights and recommendations.
3.  **Offer Deeper Dive:** Offer to answer questions or explore specific themes in more detail.

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## IV. Best Practices

- **Organize by Themes, Not by Files:** Synthesis requires integration, not just summarization.
- **Contradictions Are Valuable:** Highlight disagreements between sources—they often reveal the most interesting insights.
- **Actionable Recommendations Are the Goal:** A synthesis should lead to action.
- **Cite Your Sources:** Every claim in the synthesis should be traceable to a specific source file.

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## V. Quality Checklist

- [ ] Is the synthesis organized by themes, not by individual files?
- [ ] Does the synthesis highlight both convergent evidence and contradictions?
- [ ] Does the synthesis provide actionable recommendations?
- [ ] Does the synthesis cite the source files for its claims?
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## OpenClaw Tool Integration

When running inside the Dojo Genesis plugin:

1. **Start** by calling `dojo_get_context` to retrieve full project state, history, and artifacts
2. **During** the skill, follow the workflow steps documented above
3. **Save** outputs using `dojo_save_artifact` with the `artifacts` output directory
4. **Update** project state by calling `dojo_update_state` to record skill completion and any phase transitions