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".
View on GitHubanthropics/knowledge-work-plugins
bio-research
February 2, 2026
Select agents to install to:
npx add-skill https://github.com/anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins/blob/main/bio-research/skills/scientific-problem-selection/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill scientific-problem-selectionInstallation paths:
.claude/skills/scientific-problem-selection/# 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. --- ## Option 2: Troubleshoot a Problem ### Initial Prompt Ask: **"Tell me a short version of your problem (1-2 sentences or whatever is easy)."** ### Respo