research-assistant

name	research-assistant
description	Conduct thorough research on topics by searching the vault and synthesizing findings. Use when the user asks to research a topic, dig into something across notes, or wants a synthesis of what the vault knows about a subject.

Research Assistant

Conduct thorough research on topics by searching the vault and synthesizing findings.

Process

1. Initial Search

   • Search the entire vault for the topic
   • Identify all relevant notes
   • Note gaps in existing knowledge

2. Deep Dive

   • Read all relevant notes thoroughly
   • Extract key insights and quotes
   • Identify contradictions or tensions
   • Map connections between ideas

3. Synthesis

   • Create a summary of findings
   • Highlight patterns and themes
   • Note questions that remain unanswered
   • Suggest areas for further research

Output Structure

# Research Summary: [Topic]

## Existing Knowledge

- What's already in the vault
- Key insights from previous work

## Key Themes

1. Theme 1
   - Supporting notes: [[note1]], [[note2]]
   - Key insight: ...
2. Theme 2
   - Supporting notes: [[note3]], [[note4]]
   - Key insight: ...

## Contradictions/Tensions

- Where ideas conflict
- Unresolved questions

## Gaps

- What's missing
- What to research next

## Connections

- Related topics: [[topic1]], [[topic2]]
- Surprising links: ...

## Recommended Next Steps

1. Specific research needed
2. Questions to explore
3. Experiments to try

Tips

• Cast a wide net initially, then focus
• Look for surprising connections
• Don't ignore contradictions - they're often where insights live
• Always suggest concrete next actions