Research Assistant
Ask Nora
Your co-pilot for clinical research. Nora unifies idea discovery, a short research concept that fits your study type, literature review, and research proposal drafting in one workflow. A formal PICOT protocol is available when you want it.
Members chat with Nora. Guests can read how each step works.
Ask Nora · Phase 1
Clinical Ideation & Concept Generation
Skill: Research idea discovery
- Nora Co-Pilot InterfacePhysician inputs a general area of clinical interest or a bedside observation into Nora.
- Algorithmic Idea SuggestionNora analyzes recent medical literature trends to automatically suggest high-yield, novel research questions.
- Specialty GroupingThe engine automatically categorizes the selected idea under the appropriate clinical specialty division matrix.
- Three Ideas, More on RequestNora gives three ranked ideas. If none fits, ask for three more as a new request, which uses credits like any other request. If you already have your idea, skip this step and send it straight to the research concept.
- Feasibility CheckNora flags potential data accessibility hurdles or structural constraints early in the ideation phase.
Ask Nora · Phase 2
Research Concept & Question
Skill: Research concept
- One-Answer Concept BriefNora turns the selected idea into a short brief in one answer: working title, research question, population, main exposure or topic, and rationale. You edit it and approve it. No questionnaire.
- Fits Your Study TypeInterventional, observational, diagnostic, prognostic, qualitative, descriptive and evidence synthesis questions each get the fields that suit them. PICOT is used only when it fits.
- Unknowns Stay OpenWhat you do not know yet is listed as an optional open item. Nothing blocks you from moving on to the literature review.
- Formal Protocol LaterWhen the question is clear, ask Nora for the formal protocol: full PICOT or the fitting framework, endpoints and sample size inputs.
Ask Nora · Phase 3
Targeted Literature Review Execution
Skill: Research literature review
- Automated Query SynthesizerNora translates your research concept (or your formal protocol, if you built one) into optimized, advanced Boolean search strings.
- Database Cross-SearchingThe engine queries major medical registries, such as PubMed Central and Scopus, to pull highly targeted research topic papers.
- Evidence Matrix AssemblyNora builds an interactive, scannable baseline table summarizing current data, identified clinical gaps, and conflicting trial outcomes.
- Reference Library SyncingThe co-pilot formats a clean citation file compatible with reference software platforms like EndNote or Zotero.
Ask Nora · Phase 4
Clinical Research Proposal & Specific Aims Drafting
Skill: Research proposal
- Narrative Co-DraftingNora uses your research concept or locked protocol and the literature matrix to generate a structured, full Clinical Research Proposal.
- Specific Aims FramingThe engine structures clear, punchy "Specific Aims" sections that clearly articulate the study's clinical significance and innovation.
- IRB Pre-Flight AuditNora cross-references institutional policies to build a pre-filled IRB Ethics Checklist, ensuring compliance metrics are integrated from day one.
Ask Nora · Optional step
Formal Protocol (PICOT)
Skill: PICOT protocol
- Structured Hypothesis BuildingNora converts the approved concept into a full protocol framework (PICOT for intervention questions, or the framework that fits the study type).
- Endpoint DefinitionThe co-pilot separates primary, secondary and exploratory endpoints.
- Variables MappingNora generates a preliminary list of the data fields needed to test the hypothesis.
- Protocol MatrixYou can lock the protocol. When it is locked, the literature review and the proposal use it in place of the concept.
Chat with Nora
Pick a step and Nora activates its skill. Then drop your idea, question, hypothesis or keyword.
Nora supports research planning and does not give patient care advice. In this prototype your project is stored in this browser only, and credits are not charged yet.