# Memory Research

Research an external subject on the web and synthesize it into a structured Basic...

- Repository: https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory (4440 stars)
- Category: Writing
- License: AGPL-3.0
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add basicmachines-co/basic-memory --skill memory-research -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add basicmachines-co/basic-memory --skill memory-research -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add basicmachines-co/basic-memory --skill memory-research -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add basicmachines-co/basic-memory --skill memory-research -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add basicmachines-co/basic-memory`

## Description

Research an external subject on the web and synthesize it into a structured Basic Memory note. Use when asked to research a company, person, technology, or topic, or given a bare name or URL.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Memory Research

Research an external subject, synthesize what you find, and create a structured Basic Memory entity, with the user's approval.

## Project scope

If the project is unknown, discover it with `bm_project(command="list")`.
Pass a nonempty `project` on every note, folder, context and schema call, even
with one project or a qualified `memory://` URL. Use the chosen project's name,
`workspace/project`, or external ID; `<project>` below is a placeholder for it.
Recent activity also requires `project`. Search accepts `project` for one
project, `projects` for selected projects, or `all_projects=True` explicitly.
Discovery and bundled manuals need no project. Keep the same scope when following
returned paths, paginating, or recovering from a refusal.

## Workflow

### Step 1: Web Research

Basic Memory does not include a web search tool. If this host already has one, use it. If it does not, the user can add any web search tool or MCP server, for example [Parallel Search MCP](https://docs.parallel.ai/integrations/mcp/search-mcp). Search queries go to that provider, so keep private note content out of them. Still ask before saving a note.

Search for current information across multiple sources. Aim for 3-5 searches to build a well-rounded picture:

```
[subject name] site
[subject name] overview
[subject name] news [current year]
[subject name] [relevant domain keywords]
```

**What to gather by entity type:**

| Entity Type | Key Information |
|-------------|----------------|
| **Organization** | What they do, products/services, stage (startup/growth/public), funding, leadership, headquarters, employee count, notable partnerships or contracts |
| **Person** | Current role, organization, background, expertise, notable work, public presence |
| **Technology** | What it does, who maintains it, maturity, ecosystem, alternatives, adoption |
| **Topic/Domain** | Definition, current state, key players, trends, relevance to user's context |

The rest: https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/blob/HEAD/skills/memory-research/SKILL.md