For researchers

AI stack for researchers

Research tools are only useful if you can trace every claim to a source. Each tool in this stack shows where its answers come from, so you stay in control of the evidence.

The workflow, step by step

5 steps, in the order you use them.

Step 1: Search the literature
Semantic search finds relevant papers even when they use different words.
Elicit
Free + Paid
Automates literature review across 125M+ papers.
Visit
Free alternative
Semantic Scholar
Free
Free AI-powered academic search from AI2.
Step 2: Check what the evidence says
Seeing whether later work supports or disputes a claim saves you from building on a weak result.
scite
Free trial
See how a paper has been cited, not just how often.
Visit
Free alternative
Consensus
Free + Paid
Search engine that answers with scientific evidence.
Step 3: Question your reading pile
Answers grounded in the papers you uploaded keep summaries honest.
NotebookLM
Free + Paid
An assistant that only answers from the sources you give it.
Visit
Step 4: Analyse the data
Plain-language analysis gets you to a first chart faster; check the code it writes.
Julius AI
Free + Paid
Chat with your spreadsheet and get real analysis.
Visit
Free alternative
Hex
Free + Paid
Collaborative data notebooks with an AI analyst built in.
Step 5: Draft and edit the write-up
A careful assistant helps structure sections and tighten prose you already wrote.
Claude
Free + Paid
Long-context assistant strong on writing and code.
Visit
Free alternative
ChatGPT
Free + Paid
The general-purpose assistant that started the wave.

Free path vs pro path

An estimate from the lowest monthly price each tool lists. Plans, seats and usage limits vary.

Free path

$0/mo

Every step on a free plan or free alternative where one exists.

Pro path

from $52/mo+ 1 priced on request

Every step on the main tool's entry paid plan.

Elicit$12/mo
sciteOn request
NotebookLMFree
Julius AI$20/mo
Claude$20/mo

Prices change often; check each tool's official site before you buy.