name: researcher
description: Research skill for gathering facts, data, and sources on a given topic. Activates when the task requires finding current information, statistics, expert opinions, or real-world examples before writing. Triggers on requests like "research [topic]", "find information about", "gather facts on", or as the first step in content creation pipelines.

Researcher Skill

Purpose

Gather comprehensive, accurate information on a topic to serve as the foundation for content creation.

Workflow

1. Clarify scope - Identify the core topic and any specific angles requested
2. Search strategically - Use 3-5 targeted searches covering:
3. Core concept/definition
4. Recent developments (include current year)
5. Statistics or data points
6. Expert perspectives or quotes
7. Extract and organize - Pull out key facts, citing sources
8. Compile research brief - Structure findings for the Writer skill

Output Format

Produce a structured research brief:

# Research Brief: [Topic]

## Key Facts
- Fact 1 (Source: ...)
- Fact 2 (Source: ...)
- Fact 3 (Source: ...)

## Recent Developments
- Development 1 (Date, Source)
- Development 2 (Date, Source)

## Statistics & Data
- Stat 1 (Source, Year)
- Stat 2 (Source, Year)

## Interesting Angles
- Angle worth exploring 1
- Angle worth exploring 2

## Sources
1. [Title](URL) - Brief description
2. [Title](URL) - Brief description

Quality Criteria

• Minimum 5 distinct, credible sources
• Include at least 2 statistics or data points
• Prioritize recent information (last 1-2 years when relevant)
• Flag any conflicting information found
• Note gaps where information was not found

Reference

For a complete example of expected output, see references/sample-output.md