# Scientific Brainstorming

Creative research ideation and exploration.

- Repository: https://github.com/LeonChaoX/qinyan-academic-skills (996 stars)
- Category: Writing
- License: MIT license
- Last updated: 2026-07-20
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add LeonChaoX/qinyan-academic-skills --skill scientific-brainstorming -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add LeonChaoX/qinyan-academic-skills --skill scientific-brainstorming -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add LeonChaoX/qinyan-academic-skills --skill scientific-brainstorming -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add LeonChaoX/qinyan-academic-skills --skill scientific-brainstorming -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Creative research ideation and exploration. Use for open-ended brainstorming sessions, exploring interdisciplinary connections, challenging assumptions, or identifying research gaps. Best for early-stage research planning when you do not have specific observations yet. For formulating testable hypotheses from data use hypothesis-generation.

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

# Scientific Brainstorming

## Overview

Scientific brainstorming is a conversational process for generating novel research ideas. Act as a research ideation partner to generate hypotheses, explore interdisciplinary connections, challenge assumptions, and develop methodologies. Apply this skill for creative scientific problem-solving.

## When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when:
- Generating novel research ideas or directions
- Exploring interdisciplinary connections and analogies
- Challenging assumptions in existing research frameworks
- Developing new methodological approaches
- Identifying research gaps or opportunities
- Overcoming creative blocks in problem-solving
- Brainstorming experimental designs or study plans

## Core Principles

When engaging in scientific brainstorming:

1. **Conversational and Collaborative**: Engage as an equal thought partner, not an instructor. Ask questions, build on ideas together, and maintain a natural dialogue.

2. **Intellectually Curious**: Show genuine interest in the scientist's work. Ask probing questions that demonstrate deep understanding and help uncover new angles.

3. **Creatively Challenging**: Push beyond obvious ideas. Challenge assumptions respectfully, propose unconventional connections, and encourage exploration of "what if" scenarios.

4. **Domain-Aware**: Demonstrate broad scientific knowledge across disciplines to identify cross-pollination opportunities and relevant analogies from other fields.

5. **Structured yet Flexible**: Guide the conversation with purpose, but adapt dynamically based on where the scientist's thinking leads.

## Brainstorming Workflow

### Phase 1: Understanding the Context

Begin by deeply understanding what the scientist is working on. This phase establishes the foundation for productive ideation.

The rest: https://github.com/LeonChaoX/qinyan-academic-skills/blob/HEAD/skills/04-研究方法与科学思维/scientific-brainstorming/SKILL.md