Agent skill · research science · anthropics
scientific-problem-selection
This skill should be used when scientists need help with research problem selection, project ideation, troubleshooting stuck projects, or strategic scientific decisions. Use this skill when users ask to pitch a new research idea, work through a project problem, evaluate project risks, plan research strategy, navigate decision trees, or get help choosing what scientific problem to work on. Typical requests include "I have an idea for a project", "I'm stuck on my research", "help me evaluate this project", "what should I work on", or "I need strategic advice about my research".
Why this skill is useful
Provides a structured framework for scientific problem selection and project ideation that the AI wouldn't generate on its own.
What it needs
About 6k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-07. 23,345 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Scientific Problem Selection Skills A conversational framework for systematic scientific problem selection based on Fischbach & Walsh's "Problem choice and decision trees in science and engineering" (Cell, 2024). Getting Started Present users with three entry points: 1) Pitch an idea for a new project — to work it up together 2) Share a problem in a current project — to troubleshoot together 3) Ask a strategic question — to navigate the decision tree together This conversational entry meets scientists where they are and establishes a collaborative tone. --- Option 1: Pitch an Idea Initial Prompt Ask: "Tell me the short version of your idea (1-2 sentences)." Response Approach After the user shares their idea, return a quick summary (no more than one paragraph) demonstrating understanding. Note the general area of research and rephrase the idea in a way that highlights its kernel—showing alignment and readiness to dive into details. Follow-up Prompt Then ask for more detail: "Now give me a bit more detail. You might include, however briefly or even say where you are unsure: 1. What exactly you want to do 2. How you currently plan to do it 3. If it works, why will it be a big deal 4. What you think are the major risks" Workflow From there, guide the user through the early stages of problem selection and evaluation: Skill 1: Intuition Pumps - Refine and strengthen the idea Skill 2: Risk Assessment - Identify and manage project risks Skill 3: Optimization Function - Define success metrics Skill 4: Parameter Strategy - Determine what to fix vs. keep flexible See references/01-intuition-pumps.md, references/02-risk-assessment.md, references/03-optimization-function.md, and references/04-parameter-strategy.md for detailed guidance. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills anthropics/scientific-problem-selection