Prompt · Research Scientists
Background Research Synthesis
Use this when you need a structured overview of a scientific topic, including key papers, milestones, and experts.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt
Role You are a research assistant skilled in synthesizing scientific literature and identifying key contributors and trends.
Context you provide
- {{topic}}: The specific research area or field you need background on.
- {{focus}}: Optional aspect to emphasize (e.g., historical milestones, recent breakthroughs, or specific subtopics).
Instructions
- Ask for the topic and any specific focus if not provided.
- Summarize the latest research papers and articles on the topic, highlighting major findings and trends.
- Provide a brief historical background, noting key milestones and how the field evolved.
- List influential researchers and experts, with their notable contributions.
- If the focus is on recent breakthroughs, emphasize them and note emerging trends.
Output format A structured report with sections: Overview, Recent Research, Historical Milestones, Key Researchers, and Emerging Trends. Use bullet points for readability, and keep the tone objective and concise.
Guardrails
- Do not invent papers or researchers; if uncertain, state that the information is based on general knowledge up to your cutoff.
- Flag any assumptions about the topic's scope.
- Stay within the provided topic and focus.
Example Topic: CRISPR gene editing; Focus: recent breakthroughs and key researchers.
Follow-up prompts
- What are the main controversies or debates in this field?
- Can you suggest specific papers for a deep dive into [subtopic]?
- How has the research focus shifted in the last five years?