Research & Insight AI Tools

We’re surrounded by information — but understanding it clearly takes time, focus, and careful reading.

AI-powered research tools can support how we explore topics, review evidence, summarise findings, and organise sources. Rather than replacing critical thinking, these tools help surface relevant information, highlight patterns, and support deeper understanding across work, study, and everyday learning.

Discovery & Research Exploration

Perplexity AI

Provides clear, research-backed answers to questions using real-time web search with cited sources.

Semantic Scholar

An AI-enhanced academic search engine that helps surface relevant and influential research papers.

Research Rabbit

Creates visual maps of research papers to help explore related studies and research networks.

 Evidence Review & Summarisation

Elicit

Finds relevant academic papers and summarises key findings to support research exploration.

Scite AI

Analyses how research papers have been cited to show whether findings are supported or challenged.

Consensus

Searches scientific literature to surface evidence-based answers from peer-reviewed studies.

Scholarcy

Automatically summarises research papers into key points, findings, and references.

 Research Organisation & References

Zotero (AI features)

Helps organise research papers, manage citations, and build bibliographies with AI-assisted insights.

Computational & Factual Exploration

Wolfram Alpha

Uses AI-driven computation to answer factual, mathematical, and scientific questions.

Understanding Before Action

Research tools are most valuable when they support curiosity, learning, and informed decision-making.

Used alongside writing, education, and productivity tools, AI can help reduce the effort required to explore complex topics — while leaving interpretation and judgement firmly in human hands..

explore the ai tools hub
read smart working guides

AI can help us navigate information more efficiently — but understanding still comes from reflection, context, and care.

Used thoughtfully, research tools can support clearer thinking and more confident learning in an increasingly complex world.

Stay one step ahead with The Future Footnote.

Our monthly newsletter shares practical insights, future-ready ideas, and early access to free resources — including ebooks, educational guides, checklists, and tools designed to support smarter living, working, and thriving.

join the future footnote