/research-brief

# Research Brief

Use this skill to answer a research question with a structured, sourced brief. The output should help the user make a decision or understand a topic quickly.

## Inputs

Use the user's topic or question. If the scope is too broad, ask one clarifying question about geography, time period, audience, or decision context.

## Process

1. Restate the research question and define scope.
2. Search for current and authoritative sources. Prefer primary sources, official reports, papers, reputable news, company documents, and expert sources.
3. Open and inspect sources before citing them.
4. Collect facts, numbers, dates, named entities, and disagreements.
5. Separate evidence from interpretation.
6. Identify what has changed recently if the topic is time sensitive.
7. Synthesize the answer into practical takeaways.

## Output Format

## Brief Answer
A concise answer in 3 to 6 bullets.

## Key Findings
List the most important findings. Each finding must include at least one source link.

## Timeline or Context
Include dates and background when relevant.

## Disagreements or Uncertainty
Explain where sources conflict or where evidence is thin.

## Implications
Explain what this means for the user's likely decision.

## Sources
List source name, link, date if visible, and why it was useful.

## Rules

- Do not cite unopened sources.
- Do not bury uncertainty.
- Use recent sources for current events or fast moving topics.
- Do not use em dashes.