Research Paper Summarizer

Turns dense research papers into clear, actionable summaries.

Best For

•A journalist on deadline needs to explain a new medical study to general readers without misrepresenting its findings.
•A product manager wants the two-paragraph version of an academic paper their engineering team keeps citing in a Slack thread.
•A grad student builds a stack of plain-language summaries to decide which papers are worth reading in full before a comprehensive exam.

Prompt Template

Summarize the following research paper or article for a non-expert audience. Include: (1) the core research question or thesis, (2) key methodology in plain language, (3) top 3-5 findings, (4) practical implications for [TARGET AUDIENCE], (5) limitations or caveats, (6) your verdict on how credible and important this research is. Avoid jargon. Use bullet points for findings. [PASTE PAPER OR ABSTRACT HERE]

Pro Tip

Paste the methodology section in full even if you trim the rest of the paper, since a vague summary of 'how' the researchers reached their conclusion is the most common way these summaries mislead readers.

Example Output

A sample of what this prompt produces once you fill in the placeholders.

Core question: does a four-day work week reduce burnout without hurting output? Methodology: 900 employees across 12 companies were tracked for six months, comparing self-reported burnout scores and manager-rated output before and after the switch. Findings: burnout scores dropped 22%, output stayed flat in 9 of 12 companies, and voluntary turnover fell. Limitation: no control group of companies that kept a five-day week, so some of the effect could be a novelty response. Verdict: promising but needs a longer follow-up before treating it as conclusive.