Oct 8, 2025 |
4 Mins Read
We’re heading back to Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025
We’re excited to return to Frankfurt this October for the world’s largest book fair, and this year, we’re stepping onto the Innovation Stage with a timely conversation on how artificial intelligence can bring ethical, lasting value to scholarly publishing. Join us on October 15 at 12:30 p.m. (CEST), Hall 4.0 Innovation StageOur Co-Founder, Kamran Kardan, will be joined by Josh Nicholson (Scite) and Julie Atkins (Bristol University Press & Policy Press) for a panel discussion on: “AI and Ethical Innovation in Publishing: Driving Value for Publishers” The session will explore how AI can strengthen collaboration between publishers, platforms, librarians and researchers, ensuring research is more transparent, trustworthy, and accessible worldwide. Some of the themes include: How publishers can benefit from Zendy’s Revenue-Share Model, which compensates them whenever their content is referenced by AI assistants. The role of Scite’s smart citation system in helping users evaluate whether a paper supports, contradicts, or builds upon previous work. Why responsible use of technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) can combat misinformation and provide more reliable insights. How global equity and inclusivity can remain at the center of AI adoption in research. Together, these discussions will also link to broader goals, from advancing quality education to supporting sustainable innovation and global partnerships. Speakers Kamran Kardan, Founder & CEO Knowledge E, Co-Founder Zendy Josh Nicholson, Co-founder of Scite, CSO at Research Solutions Moderator: Sara Crowley Vigneau, Partnership Relations Manager, Zendy And of course, the Zendy team will be around throughout the fair! Find us at Stand G97, Hall 4.0, where Kamran Kardan, Lisette van Kessel (Head of Marketing), and Sara Crowley Vigneau (Partnership Manager) will be happy to talk about our ethical AI tools for research, open access publishing, and higher education librarynesp programs. Want to set up a one-on-one meeting? Reach out to l.vankessel@knowledgee.com. For more details about the fair, visit Frankfurter Buchmesse. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
5 Tools Every Librarian Should Know in 2025
The role of librarians has always been about connecting people with knowledge. But in 2025, with so much information floating around online, the challenge isn’t access, it’s sorting through the noise and finding what really matters. This is where AI for libraries is starting to make a difference. Here are five that are worth keeping in your back pocket this year. 1. Zendy Zendy is a one-stop AI-powered research library that blends open access with subscription-based resources. Instead of juggling multiple platforms, librarians can point students and researchers to one place where they’ll find academic articles, reports, and AI tools to help with research discovery and literature review. With its growing use of AI for libraries, Zendy makes it easier to summarise research, highlight key ideas, and support literature reviews without adding to the librarian’s workload. 2. LibGuides Still one of the most practical tools for librarians, LibGuides makes it easy to create tailored resource guides for courses, programs, or specific assignments. Whether you’re curating resources for first-year students or putting together a subject guide for advanced research, it helps librarians stay organised while keeping information accessible to learners. 3. OpenRefine Cleaning up messy data is nobody’s favourite job, but it’s a reality when working with bibliographic records or digital archives. OpenRefine is like a spreadsheet, but with superpowers, it can quickly detect duplicates, fix formatting issues, and make large datasets more manageable. For librarians working in cataloguing or digital collections, it saves hours of tedious work. 4. PressReader Library patrons aren’t just looking for academic content; they often want newspapers, magazines, and general reading material too. PressReader gives libraries a simple way to provide access to thousands of publications from around the world. It’s especially valuable in public libraries or institutions with international communities. 5. OCLC WorldShare Managing collections and sharing resources across institutions is a constant task. OCLC WorldShare helps libraries handle cataloguing, interlibrary loans, and metadata management. It’s not flashy, but it makes collaboration between libraries smoother and ensures that resources don’t sit unused when another community could benefit from them. Final thought The tools above aren’t just about technology, they’re about making everyday library work more practical. Whether it’s curating resources with Zendy, cleaning data with OpenRefine, or sharing collections through WorldShare, these platforms help librarians do what they do best: guide people toward knowledge that matters. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Balancing AI Efficiency with Human Expertise in Libraries
AI in libraries is making some tasks quicker and less repetitive. However, even with these advances, there’s something irreplaceable about a librarian’s judgment and care. The real question isn’t whether AI will take over libraries, it’s how both AI and librarians can work side by side. How AI Helps in Libraries According to Clarivate Pulse of the Library 2025 survey, among 2,000 academic library professionals globally, many said they don’t have enough time or budget to learn new tools or skills, a challenge made even harder as global digital content is projected to double every two years. Here’s where AI tools for librarians prove useful: Cataloguing: AI can scan metadata and suggest subject tags in minutes. Search: Smarter search systems help students and researchers find relevant materials without digging through dozens of irrelevant results. Day-to-day tasks: Think overdue notices, compiling basic reading lists, or identifying key sources and trends to support literature reviews. This is where library automation with AI comes in handy. Instead of replacing people, these tools free up time. A librarian who doesn’t have to spend hours sorting through data can focus on supporting students, curating collections, analysing usage statistics to make informed decisions or tracking resource usage against budgets. Where Human Expertise Still Matters AI is fast, but it’s not thoughtful. A student asking, “I’m researching migration patterns in 19th-century Europe, where do I start?” gets much more from a librarian than from a search algorithm. Librarians bring context, empathy, and critical thinking that machines can’t replicate. This is why human-AI collaboration in libraries makes sense. AI takes care of the routine. Humans bring the nuance. Together, they cover ground neither could manage alone. Finding the Balance So how do libraries get this balance right? A few ideas: Think of AI as a helper – not a replacement for staff. Invest in training – librarians need to feel confident using AI tools and knowing when not to rely on them. Keep the focus on people – the goal isn’t efficiency for its own sake, it’s about better service for students, researchers, and communities. Final Thoughts By using AI to handle routine administrative tasks like cataloguing, managing records, or tracking resource usage, librarians free up time to focus on the part of the job that drew them to this profession in the first place: supporting researchers and students, curating meaningful collections, and fostering learning. Combining the efficiency of AI in libraries with the expertise of librarians creates a future where technology supports the human side of education. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
How AI in Higher Education Is Helping Libraries Support Research
Libraries have always been at the centre of knowledge in higher education. Beyond curating collections, librarians guide researchers and students through complex databases, teach research skills, and help faculty navigate publishing requirements. They also play a key role in managing institutional resources, preserving archives, and ensuring equitable access to information. These days, libraries are facing new challenges: huge amounts of digital content, tighter budgets, and more demand for remote access. In this environment, AI in higher education is starting to make a real difference. How AI Makes Life Easier for Librarians Improving Discovery AI-powered search tools don’t just look for keywords, they can understand the context of a query. That means students and researchers can find related work they might otherwise miss. It’s like having an extra set of eyes to point them toward useful sources. Helping with Curation AI can go through thousands of articles and highlight the ones most relevant to a specific course, project, or research topic. For example, a librarian preparing a reading list for a history class can save hours by letting AI suggest the most relevant papers or reports. Supporting Remote Access Students, researchers and faculty aren’t always on campus. AI can summarise long articles, translate content, or adjust resources for different reading levels. This makes it easier for people to get the information they need, even from home. Working Within Budgets Subscriptions remain a major expense for libraries, and ongoing budget cuts are forcing many academic institutions to make difficult choices about which resources to keep or cancel. For example, recent surveys show that around 73% of UK higher education libraries are making budget cuts this year, sometimes slashing up to 30% of their overall budgets, and collectively spending £51 million less than the previous year. This trend is not limited to the UK, universities in the U.S. and elsewhere are also reducing library funding, which has dropped by nearly 20% per student over recent years. Even top institutions like Princeton have cut library hours and student staffing to save on costs. Subscriptions can be expensive, and libraries often have to make tough choices. AI tools that work across large collections help libraries give students and researchers more access without adding extra subscriptions. Trusted Content Still Matters AI is helpful, but the resources behind it are just as important. Librarians care about trusted, peer-reviewed, and varied sources. Librarians and AI: A Partnership AI isn’t replacing librarians. Instead, it supports the work they already do. Librarians are the ones who guide researchers, check the quality of sources, and teach information skills. By using AI tools, librarians can make research easier for students, researchers and faculty, and they can help their institutions make the most of the resources they have. Final Thoughts AI in higher education is making it easier for libraries to support students and faculty, but librarians are still at the centre of the process. By using AI tools alongside strong content collections, libraries can save time, offer more resources, and help researchers find exactly what they need. With the right AI support, research becomes easier to navigate and more accessible without overcomplicating the process. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Best AI Productivity Tools for Students and Researchers
AI productivity tools are digital platforms that use artificial intelligence to help researchers work more efficiently. Unlike traditional software, these tools use algorithms and machine learning to automate routine tasks, process large amounts of information, and generate insights. Traditional productivity apps rely on manual input. AI-powered tools can learn from user habits, interpret natural language, and offer smart suggestions. For researchers, this means tasks like transcription, organisation, and project management happen faster with less effort. The benefits of AI-powered productivity tools for students to enhance academic workflows include: Time efficiency: Automated transcription and summarisation Accuracy: Reduced manual errors in data processing Organisation: Smart categorisation of notes, tasks, and references Collaboration: Real-time sharing and editing of documents and projects Quick comparison of Otter.AI, Bit.ai, Notion, and Todoist AI productivity tools offer different features for research, writing, collaboration, and task management. Understanding which tool handles which function helps you choose the right combination. ToolTranscriptionDocument CollaborationTask ManagementKnowledge OrganizationOtter.AIYesLimited (shared notes)NoKeyword search, highlightsBit.aiNoYesLimitedCentralized workspaceNotionNoYesYesDatabases, linked notesTodoistNoLimited (shared tasks)YesProject lists Each tool provides a free version, making them accessible to students and researchers who want to try basic features. Advanced features for collaboration, automation, and AI-powered suggestions are available in paid plans. Best-fit scenarios for each tool: Otter.AI: Recording and transcribing interviews, lectures, or meetings Bit.ai: Collaborative writing, team documentation, and organising research materials Notion: Managing literature reviews, creating structured research databases, and planning projects Todoist: Tracking deadlines, managing tasks for long-term research projects Where Otter.AI fits in the research workflow Otter.AI uses speech-to-text technology to convert spoken words into written text. In research, it captures and documents conversations, meetings, interviews, and lectures automatically. The tool processes audio in real time and generates a digital transcript that can be reviewed and edited after the session. The platform provides real-time transcription, converting speech into text as it happens. This works during interviews or classroom lectures, recording and transcribing spoken content simultaneously. The tool identifies and labels different speakers, helping track who is talking in group settings. Transcription accuracy depends on audio quality, background noise, and speaker clarity. Once a transcript is created, it becomes a searchable text document. You can search for specific phrases, topics, or keywords within the transcript to locate information quickly. The platform highlights keywords or important sections, making it easier to analyse large volumes of qualitative data. This searchable database supports reviewing, coding, and referencing spoken information during research analysis. How Bit.ai streamlines collaborative writing Bit.ai is a document collaboration platform that uses AI to help research teams and co-authors work together on academic projects. It creates a single online space for groups to create, edit, and organise research documents. The platform allows users to embed rich media such as images, videos, and interactive charts directly into documents. So as a team, you can edit the same document simultaneously, and changes appear instantly for everyone. AI features suggest content improvements, recommend citations, and help organise ideas as users write. Bit.ai provides a centralised workspace where teams can store and arrange research materials, references, and notes. Users create folders for different projects or topics, making it easier to locate specific files and information. All team members can access shared resources and contribute to the collective knowledge base. Managing projects and deadlines with Todoist AI Todoist AI handles project management for research workflows that include multiple deadlines, contributors, and project phases. The platform helps with planning and tracking ongoing or long-term academic projects, such as group research papers, lab work, or thesis development. The AI task management tools use AI to rank tasks according to their deadlines, dependencies, and importance within each stage of a research project. The system analyses which tasks are most urgent, identifies which activities rely on others being completed first, and adjusts priorities as new information is added or project phases change. Smart scheduling features include intelligent allocation of time blocks for each task based on deadlines and workload. The platform generates automated reminders for important milestones, such as draft submissions, experiment dates, or meetings. When timeline changes occur, Todoist AI updates the schedule and sends notifications to keep team members aware of upcoming deadlines. Organising knowledge bases in Notion AI Notion AI combines note-taking, databases, and task management in one platform. Researchers use Notion AI to organise articles, research notes, and project documents in a single, structured environment. This tool supports literature management and research organisation for individuals and teams. The AI processes and summarises text from research notes, meeting minutes, or uploaded literature. It generates concise overviews of long passages and extracts main ideas from academic content. The system answers user questions by searching through stored notes and documents, providing relevant information based on previous entries. Notion AI offers database templates designed for academic workflows: Literature review templates: Fields for citation details, summaries, and key findings Data collection templates: Record variables, sources, and results Research planning templates: Structure timelines, objectives, and progress trackers Each template can be customised to meet the requirements of a specific research process. Integrating tools with reference managers and libraries Best AI tools for students often work together with reference managers and digital research libraries. This setup helps researchers organise sources and manage citations more efficiently. Many tools support direct or indirect connections to widely used academic platforms. Zotero and Mendeley are reference management systems that collect, organise, and cite academic sources. Both platforms have integration options with AI productivity tools. Some document collaboration platforms and note-taking apps allow users to export references in formats compatible with these reference managers. Browser plugins and word processor add-ons let users insert citations and bibliographies into research documents. Zendy's AI-powered research library works alongside productivity and reference management tools. Users can discover and access full-text articles through Zendy, then export citations to reference managers. Zendy's platform supports AI summarisation, key phrase highlighting, and organised reading lists, which streamline literature reviews and project planning. When used with collaborative writing or task management tools, Zendy provides a central source for reliable academic content and citation data. Choosing the right tool mix for your research Selecting AI productivity tools for students and research involves matching tool features to specific project requirements. The best combination depends on research objectives, group size, and preferred working methods. Each tool offers different functions, so understanding your workflow is the first step. Assessment criteria include research type, collaboration needs, and technical requirements. Qualitative research involving interviews and discussions often uses transcription tools like Otter.AI, while quantitative projects may focus on organisation and project management. Research conducted in teams benefits from document collaboration platforms that support shared editing and centralised knowledge. Technical requirements include compatibility with institutional systems, device support, integration with reference managers, and data privacy standards. Consider whether the tool works on preferred devices and integrates with other software used for citations or data storage. Many AI productivity tools offer free versions with core features suitable for individual students or small projects. Larger teams or advanced projects may use paid plans that unlock collaboration, automation, or additional storage. Institutional licenses sometimes provide access to premium features at no individual cost. Implementation tips for secure compliant use Academic and institutional environments require careful management of data privacy and security when using AI productivity tools. Each tool interacts with research data differently, so understanding how information is handled protects both individual and institutional interests. GDPR compliance applies to any tool that processes or stores personal information of individuals in the European Union. Institutional data policies often include guidelines on where research data may be stored, who can access it, and how long it can be retained. Secure handling involves using encrypted connections, selecting tools with end-to-end encryption, and ensuring sensitive files are shared only within approved platforms. Introducing AI tools to research teams involves several steps: Testing phase: Select a small group to test the tool and provide feedback Documentation: Create clear guidelines for using tools within research workflows Training: Help team members understand secure and responsible usage Role establishment: Set up administrators, data managers, and regular users Regular reviews: Assess whether tools continue to meet privacy requirements Discover Zendy for limitless research access Zendy, AI AI-powered research library, acts as a central research hub that connects with AI productivity tools used in academic work. The platform provides access to scholarly articles, journals, and academic resources across disciplines. Features such as ZAIA, AI assistant for research, AI-powered summarisation, key phrase highlighting, and organised reading lists help manage literature and support research projects. You can export citations to reference managers and create structured workflows for academic tasks. For researchers looking to integrate comprehensive literature access with their productivity workflow, Zendy's AI-powered research library provides the foundation for efficient academic research. FAQs about AI productivity tools for students and researchers How do AI transcription tools handle sensitive interview recordings? Most AI productivity tools use encryption and privacy controls to protect sensitive recordings. Researchers need to verify compliance with institutional data policies and obtain participant consent when managing such data. Can Otter AI transcribe interviews without internet connection? Otter.AI requires internet connection for real-time transcription. Some features work offline with limited functionality, but full transcription capabilities need online access for processing. Which productivity tool works best with Zotero and Mendeley? Notion provides flexible integration through its API, allowing various connections with citation management software. Bit.ai offers direct export features for popular reference managers like Zotero and Mendeley. Do these AI tools support research content in languages other than English? Language support varies by tool. Otter AI includes multiple language transcription capabilities, while Notion AI processes text in various languages for research content management. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 65% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Top 4 AI tools to create research presentation in seconds
Creating a research presentation often involves a lot of steps, such as summarising findings, choosing visuals, arranging slides, and checking formatting. This process can take hours or even days, especially when the topic is complex or time is limited. However, researchers, students, and professionals are using AI tools to simplify how they build and design their presentations. These tools use AI to assist you with slide generation, layout, content summarisation, and more. Additionally, some AI tools are designed specifically for academic use. They help present your research clearly, quickly, and in a format that meets academic standards. In this article, we’ll explore four AI tools, Gamma, Presentations.AI, PopAI, and AiPPT, that are changing how research is presented. How AI Tools Help in Research Presentations Creating research presentations involves common challenges. These include time constraints, organising detailed information, and using consistent, professional design. AI tools address these issues by generating slides automatically, summarising long texts, and applying consistent design styles across all slides. According to poweredtemplate.com, their case study shows that using AI to generate presentations can reduce the time spent on presentation preparation by up to 70%. This allows more time to focus on the research itself. The benefits of using AI tools in research presentations include: Time Efficiency: AI tools turn hours of work into minutes by automating slide creation. Content Organisation: Complex research findings are structured into logical, easy-to-follow presentations. Design Consistency: Professional aesthetics are maintained throughout the deck, ensuring a polished look. 4 Leading AI Tools for Research Presentations Simplifying Academic Decks Several AI-powered tools now support the creation of academic presentations. These tools organise information, generate content, and format slides automatically. ToolBest ForKey FeaturesAcademic IntegrationPrice RangeGammaResearch summariesGamma slide tech, AI content extraction, templatesUploads papers, citation supportFree–PremiumPresentations.AICollaborative projectsReal-time editing, smart layouts, team sharingGoogle Drive, citation toolsFree–PremiumPopAIData-heavy presentationsData visualisation, chart AI, analytics importExcel, CSV, academic datasetsFree–PremiumAiPPTQuick slide generation1-click decks, multilingual support, templatesReference manager integrationFree–Premium Each tool offers features suited to different presentation needs, from summarising research papers to visualising data. Integration with academic platforms varies depending on the software. Gamma: Best for Text-Heavy Research Gamma.app is ideal for summarising academic papers and turning them into structured presentations. It can upload PDFs or DOCX files, extract arguments, and create slides with formatted citations (APA, MLA, Chicago). Instead of traditional slides, Gamma uses modular “cards,” which allow flexible navigation between sections—useful for thesis defenses or literature reviews. PopAI: Best for Data-Driven Presentations PopAI excels in handling numbers. Researchers can upload spreadsheets (Excel, CSV) and the tool automatically generates charts, graphs, and visual data summaries. It’s particularly useful in fields like medicine, economics, or STEM, where quantitative results need to be visualised clearly. Presentations.AI: Best for Collaboration Presentations.AI focuses on team-based research projects. Multiple users can co-edit slides in real time, with automatic syncing through Google Drive. It also supports citation tools, making it practical for group assignments, co-authored research, or preparing conference presentations with colleagues. AiPPT: Best for Fast, Multilingual Decks AiPPT is designed for speed. With one click, it generates slides from a topic or document, and it includes multilingual support—helpful for international research teams. It also integrates with reference managers like Zotero and Mendeley, simplifying bibliography creation. Practical Tips for Researchers Use academic templates – Many AI tools include templates for systematic reviews, literature reviews, or case studies. These save time and ensure presentations follow academic structures. Automate citations – Connect tools like Gamma or Presentations.AI with Zotero/Mendeley to generate accurate references automatically. Choose based on your research type: Quantitative (data-heavy): PopAI Qualitative/text-heavy: Gamma Collaborative projects: Presentations.AI Quick classroom assignments: AiPPT Choosing the Right Tool For thesis defenses → Gamma, with structured academic formatting. For scientific conferences → PopAI, for strong visualisation of data. For group projects → Presentations.AI, with collaboration tools. For quick deadlines → AiPPT, for rapid slide generation. Most offer free tiers, so students can test before subscribing to premium features. The Future of AI in Research Presentations AI presentation tools continue to develop new features. These tools make presentations clearer and more accessible for diverse audiences. As presentations increasingly rely on academic research, tools that connect directly with research databases become more valuable. Researchers can import structured data, references, and text summaries directly into AI-generated slides. Zendy’s tools complement these AI presentation tools by providing access to a vast library of academic content. Researchers can find relevant studies on Zendy and seamlessly incorporate them into their presentations using AI tools like Gamma or PopAI. The combination of AI-powered presentation tools and a comprehensive research digital library like Zendy creates a powerful workflow. Discover Zendy to explore how its AI-powered research library can enhance your presentation content, while tools like Gamma, AiPPT, Presentations.AI, PopAI perfect your delivery. FAQs about AI Research Presentation Tools Which AI tool is best for creating presentations with scientific data visualisations? PopAI is the strongest option for scientific data visualisations. It features robust charting capabilities and can import complex datasets directly from Excel, CSV files, and statistical software. How do AI presentation tools handle citations and references for academic work? AI presentation tools automatically generate citations and bibliographies in multiple styles (APA, MLA, Chicago), placing them correctly within slides and creating comprehensive reference lists. Can these AI research presentation tools integrate with reference management software like Mendeley or Zotero? Yes, tools like Gamma and Presentations.AI offer direct integration with reference managers such as Mendeley and Zotero, allowing seamless import of citation data into presentations. How much time does using an AI presentation tool save compared to traditional methods? Based on user reports, AI presentation tools typically reduce slide preparation time by 50-70%, with the greatest savings coming from automated content organisation and design formatting. Are there privacy concerns when uploading research data to these AI presentation platforms? Most research presentation tools use encryption and have privacy policies protecting uploaded content, but researchers should review each tool's security measures before uploading sensitive or unpublished research. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Top AI Citation Management Tools: EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks, Zotero
AI is now being built into some of these tools. These citation management tools are designed to help you with tasks like sorting references, checking for errors, or suggesting relevant sources. This article explains how citation management works, what challenges it addresses, and how AI is being used in tools like Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley, and RefWorks. What is citation management and why is it important Citation management is the process of collecting, organising, and formatting reference information used in academic writing. A reference manager is software that helps with this process by storing citation details and generating bibliographies in different styles. Writing citations by hand takes time and can lead to mistakes. Formatting errors, missing information, or inconsistent styles are common when done manually. Citation management tools reduce these errors by automating formatting and organising references into folders or collections. Many of these tools also allow users to import references directly from academic databases. AI is now improving citation management in several ways: Automation: AI can detect duplicate entries and organise references automatically Extraction: It can pull citation information from PDFs and websites Suggestions: Some tools recommend related research based on your existing library Comparing Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley, and RefWorks These four citation management tools help you collect, organise, and cite research sources, but they are built for different users and needs. Zotero is free, open-source software popular with students and independent researchers. EndNote is often used by institutions and professional researchers working with large reference collections. Mendeley combines reference management with academic networking features. RefWorks is a cloud-based tool designed for institutional use. ToolCostPlatformStorageZoteroFree (basic)Windows, Mac, Linux300MB freeEndNotePaidWindows, MacUnlimited (desktop)MendeleyFree (basic)Windows, Mac, Web, Mobile2GB freeRefWorksSubscriptionWeb-basedUnlimited with subscription Each tool uses AI differently. Zotero supports plugins that add AI features like citation suggestions. EndNote has tools to find full-text PDFs automatically. Mendeley includes AI recommendations for related research. RefWorks uses AI for document organisation. Essential AI features for modern reference manager tools AI in reference managers helps automate tasks that would otherwise be time-consuming and error-prone. These features support accuracy in citation formatting, help organise references, and assist with discovering new sources. 1. Automatic metadata extraction Automatic metadata extraction uses AI to read documents and pull out citation details like author names, titles, and publication dates. This works by scanning PDFs or web pages and identifying citation patterns. When you add a PDF to your library, the AI analyses the document structure, looking for title pages, author information, and reference sections. It then creates a citation entry with this information. This feature is especially helpful when you are importing many documents at once. Zotero and Mendeley both excel at metadata extraction, making them popular citation software for Word integration. 2. Recommendation engines for research discovery Recommendation engines suggest articles related to ones already in your library. These engines analyse your saved references and reading patterns to find similar research. For example, if your reference manager contains several papers about climate change, the AI might suggest new climate research that cites or is cited by your saved papers. Mendeley's recommendation feature examines your library content and suggests related papers from its database of millions of articles. EndNote offers similar functionality through its Web of Science integration. 3. Smart collaboration capabilities Smart collaboration features help teams manage shared reference libraries. AI helps detect duplicate entries, suggest relevant collaborators, and manage editing conflicts. For group projects, these features keep shared libraries organised and consistent. When multiple team members add references, AI can identify duplicates even when citation details vary slightly. RefWorks and Mendeley offer strong collaboration tools. RefWorks allows real-time sharing and editing, while Mendeley lets groups share annotations and organise references together. Pros and cons of each citation manager Zotero Zotero is a free, open-source citation manager developed by a non-profit organisation. It works through a desktop application and browser connector. Strengths: Free to use with basic features Strong community support and regular updates Excellent at capturing web content and metadata Works well with both Word and Google Docs Limitations: Limited storage (300MB) on free accounts Fewer built-in AI features compared to commercial options Basic collaboration tools Zotero is ideal for students, independent researchers, and anyone who wants a free, reliable citation manager without complex features. EndNote EndNote is a commercial citation manager with advanced formatting capabilities. It's commonly used in academic and research institutions. Strengths: Powerful formatting options for complex documents Strong integration with academic databases Comprehensive search capabilities within the tool Robust handling of large reference libraries Limitations: Requires purchase (though many institutions provide access) Steeper learning curve than other tools Less intuitive interface for beginners EndNote works best for professional researchers, faculty members, and others who need advanced citation features and have institutional support. Mendeley Mendeley combines reference management with social networking features. It's owned by Elsevier, a global leader in advanced information and decision support for science and healthcare. Strengths: Social features to connect with other researchers Good PDF annotation and reading tools AI-powered article recommendations Free basic version with 2GB storage Limitations: Some users have privacy concerns due to Elsevier ownership Sync issues reported by some users Premium features require subscription Mendeley is particularly good for researchers who want to discover new content and connect with colleagues while managing their references. RefWorks RefWorks is a web-based citation manager typically accessed through institutional subscriptions. It focuses on ease of use and collaboration. Strengths: No software installation required Good for team projects and collaboration Works on any computer with internet access Strong institutional support features Limitations: No free version for individual users Fewer customisation options than other tools Requires internet connection for most functions RefWorks is best for students and researchers at institutions with RefWorks subscriptions who need simple, accessible citation management. Zotero vs EndNote vs Mendeley vs RefWorks: which is best? The best citation manager depends on your specific needs. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the Zotero vs EndNote vs Mendeley vs RefWorks question. For students and budget-conscious users, Zotero offers the best balance of features and cost. Its free version includes all essential functions, and it's relatively easy to learn. For professional researchers working with large libraries, EndNote provides powerful organisation and formatting tools. Its advanced search functions and database integration justify the cost for many users. For collaborative teams, both Mendeley and RefWorks offer good sharing features. Mendeley adds social networking, while RefWorks focuses on institutional access and ease of use. When comparing specific tools: Zotero vs EndNote: Zotero is free and simpler; EndNote offers more advanced features but costs money Zotero vs Mendeley: Zotero has better browser integration; Mendeley offers better PDF reading tools EndNote vs Mendeley: EndNote has more formatting options; Mendeley includes social features Mendeley vs Zotero: Mendeley offers better recommendations; Zotero has a more open ecosystem In addition, Zendy works alongside these citation tools by helping users discover and access research content before organising it in their citation manager of choice. Tips for faster citation software for Word integration All four major citation managers integrate with Microsoft Word, allowing you to insert citations while writing. This integration saves time and reduces errors. Installing the plugin For Zotero, the Word plugin installs automatically with the desktop application. After installation, check Word for a "Zotero" tab in the ribbon. EndNote's "Cite While You Write" plugin also installs with the main program. If it doesn't appear in Word, open EndNote and select "Customize" to enable it. Mendeley requires downloading "Mendeley Cite" separately from their website. This add-in works with recent versions of Word. RefWorks uses the "RefWorks Citation Manager" add-in, which can be installed from Word's Add-ins store. If a plugin doesn't appear, try restarting Word or checking that your citation manager is running. Adding citations to your document To add citations with Zotero, click the "Add/Edit Citation" button in Word. A search box appears where you can type author names or keywords to find references in your library. With EndNote, use the "Insert Citation" button, then search your library. You can also insert multiple citations at once. Mendeley Cite shows a sidebar where you can search your library and click references to insert them. RefWorks Citation Manager also uses a sidebar approach, with search functionality and citation preview. All these tools format citations according to your chosen style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) and automatically create a bibliography at the end of your document. Looking ahead: how AI shapes the future of citation management AI is changing how researchers manage citations and discover new research. Future developments will likely make these tools even more helpful. Natural Language Processing (NLP) is improving how citation tools extract information from documents. This means more accurate automatic citations from PDFs and web pages. AI tools are getting better at suggesting relevant research based on your existing library and reading patterns. This helps researchers discover important work they might otherwise miss. Some citation tools are beginning to explore integration with generative AI to help summarise articles, identify key citations, and even assist with literature reviews. Zendy complements these citation managers with AI-powered research discovery and organisation tools. Its features help researchers find relevant content before adding it to their citation libraries. The best citation managers will continue incorporating AI to make research workflows more efficient while maintaining accuracy and proper attribution. Frequently asked questions about AI citation management How do I choose between Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley, and RefWorks? Consider your budget (Zotero is free, EndNote is paid), collaboration needs (RefWorks and Mendeley excel here), and institutional support (many universities provide EndNote or RefWorks). Try the free version of any tool before committing to see which interface you prefer. Can I transfer my references between different citation managers? Yes, most citation managers support exporting and importing references using standard formats like RIS or BibTeX. The transfer usually preserves basic citation information, though some custom notes or organisation may require adjustment. Which citation manager has the best AI features currently? Mendeley offers the strongest built-in AI features, particularly for research recommendations. EndNote provides powerful search and organisation tools. Zotero supports AI features through community-developed plugins. Do citation managers work with Google Docs as well as Microsoft Word? Zotero and RefWorks have direct Google Docs integration. Mendeley and EndNote have more limited Google Docs support, with EndNote requiring workarounds to use with Google's platform. Are the AI features in citation managers difficult to use for beginners? Most AI features in citation managers work automatically in the background. Features like metadata extraction happen when you add documents, while recommendations appear as suggestions. These require little technical knowledge to use effectively. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 75% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Zendy and Liverpool University Press Partner to Expand Global Access to Academic Research
Oxford, UK – August 19, 2025 – Zendy, the digital research library, has signed a partnership agreement with Liverpool University Press (LUP), one of the UK’s oldest and most respected academic publishers. This collaboration will make a curated collection of Liverpool University Press’ books available on Zendy platform, extending access to high-quality scholarship for students, researchers, and independent learners worldwide. As part of this initiative, Zendy users will gain access to titles across a range of disciplines, including history, literature, politics, cultural studies, postcolonial studies, international development, and Hispanic and Francophone studies. The partnership also includes works from the prestigious British Academy publishing portfolio, following Liverpool’s recent appointment as the Academy’s publishing partner for its academic books programme. This partnership strengthens Zendy’s offering in the humanities and social sciences, providing users with valuable perspectives on human experience and society. It reflects the shared mission of both organisations to break down access barriers and promote educational equity across underserved regions. About Zendy Zendy is an AI-powered, mission-driven research library dedicated to increasing the accessibility and discoverability of scholarly literature, particularly in the global south and underserved regions. The platform currently serves over 780,000 users across 200+ countries and territories, offering a comprehensive collection of academic journals, books, and reports to empower researchers, educators, and students. Zendy also provides AI tools, including its research assistant ZAIA, to help users read, analyse, and summarise academic content more efficiently.Website: https://zendy.io About Liverpool University Press Founded in 1899, Liverpool University Press (LUP) is the UK’s third oldest university press and has built a reputation for publishing exceptional scholarship across the humanities and social sciences. LUP publishes around 200 books annually, alongside 50 journals and more than a dozen digital collections. It also operates Liverpool Distribution Services and Liverpool Subscription Services, supporting the dissemination of scholarly research on behalf of university presses, foundations, and non-profits.Website: www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk For more information, please contact: Lisette van KesselHead of Marketing, Zendyl.vankessel@knowledgee.com Catherine DuttonHead of Books Marketing, Liverpool University Presscatherine.dutton@liverpool.ac.uk .wp-block-image img { max-width: 75% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
AI Tools for Thesis Writing in 2025: Save Time & Improve Quality
Writing a thesis can involve many steps, such as reading academic papers, organising ideas, and formatting references. This process takes time, especially when working with large amounts of research. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to some of the best AI tools designed for thesis writing. These tools don't replace original thinking or writing. Instead, they handle time-consuming tasks so researchers can focus on developing their ideas and arguments. Time savings: AI tools can summarise articles in minutes rather than hours, helping researchers review more literature efficiently Writing clarity: These tools identify confusing sentences, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies that might distract readers Organisation: Many tools help track sources, organise notes, and maintain consistent formatting throughout long documents How ThesisAI, Gatsbi, Writefull, And Thesify Enhance Research Each of these AI tools supports different aspects of thesis writing. When used together, they can help with the entire process from initial research to final editing. ThesisAI ThesisAI generate a complete scientific document (up to 50 pages) with a single prompt. Seamlessly integrates with LaTeX, Overleaf, Zotero, and Mendeley for effortless formatting and citation management. Includes automated research capabilities via Semantic Scholar for smart paper discovery. Supports writing in 20+ languages for global academic needs. See examples here. Gatsbi Gatsbi helps maintain logical structure throughout a thesis. It analyses how ideas connect across chapters and sections, ensuring the argument flows smoothly from beginning to end. The tool supports technical elements like equations, citations, and data tables, making it especially useful for scientific writing. Unlike some AI tools, Gatsbi focuses on organising existing content rather than generating new text. Writefull Writefull improves academic language by checking grammar, vocabulary, and tone. It integrates with Microsoft Word and Overleaf (for LaTeX documents), providing feedback as you write. The tool understands discipline-specific language and conventions, offering suggestions that match academic expectations. Its features include abstract generation, title refinement, and paraphrasing options for clearer expression. Thesify Thesify evaluates the strength of academic arguments and evidence. Rather than focusing only on grammar, it analyses whether claims are supported, arguments are logical, and ideas are clearly expressed. The feedback resembles what you might receive from a professor or peer reviewer, with comments on structure, reasoning, and evidence use. This helps identify weaknesses in the argument before submission. ToolMain PurposeWorks Best ForCompatible WithSpecial FeaturesTheseAIgenerating a complete scientific documentLiterature reviewsWeb browsersConcept mapping, source comparisonGatsbiOrganising thesis structureMaintaining logical flowWeb platformSupports technical elements, citation integrationWritefullImproving academic languageGrammar and style refinementWord, OverleafReal-time feedback, LaTeX supportThesifyEvaluating argument qualityGetting expert-like feedbackWeb browsersLogic assessment, evidence evaluation Key Functions of AI Thesis Writing Tools AI thesis tools typically excel in three main areas: summarising research, improving language, and managing citations. Understanding these functions helps choose the right tool for specific writing challenges. Research Summaries AI summarisation tools read academic papers and create concise overviews highlighting key findings, methods, and conclusions. This technique helps researchers quickly grasp the main points without reading entire articles. For example, when reviewing literature for a psychology thesis, the AI might extract information about study participants, experimental design, and statistical results. This allows researchers to compare multiple studies more efficiently. However, AI thesis tools raise risks such as academic misconduct, loss of originality, privacy concerns, and inaccurate outputs if misused. University policies differ, so always check regulations, use AI responsibly, and critically review all AI-generated work. These summaries serve as starting points for deeper reading, not replacements for understanding the full text. You still need to verify important details and evaluate the quality of the original research. Language Improvement Language tools analyse writing for grammar, clarity, vocabulary, and academic tone. They identify issues like wordiness, passive voice overuse, and unclear phrasing that might confuse readers. Some tools, like Writefull, understand discipline-specific conventions. They can suggest appropriate terminology for fields like medicine, engineering, or literature, helping writers match the expectations of their academic community. These suggestions appear as you write or during review, similar to having an editor check your work. The writer maintains control over which changes to accept, ensuring the text still reflects their voice and ideas. Citation Management Citation tools format references according to academic styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago. They help maintain consistency throughout the document and ensure all sources are properly acknowledged. Many tools can generate citations automatically from a DOI, URL, or article title. They also check for missing information and formatting errors that might otherwise be overlooked. This function helps prevent unintentional plagiarism by making proper attribution easier. It also saves time during the final editing process when references need to be checked and formatted. How to Use AI Tools Ethically in Academic Writing Universities increasingly recognise that AI tools can support the writing process, but they distinguish between acceptable assistance and potential academic misconduct. Acceptable uses typically include grammar checking, citation formatting, and research organisation. These functions help improve presentation without changing the core content or ideas. Most institutions draw the line at using AI to generate content or develop arguments. The thinking, analysis, and conclusions should come from the student, not from an AI system. Be transparent: Many universities now ask students to disclose which AI tools they used and how they were applied in the writing process Verify information: AI tools sometimes make mistakes with citations or summaries, so always check against original sources Maintain ownership: The ideas, arguments, and conclusions should reflect your understanding, not text generated by an AI Universities like Cambridge, Oxford, and MIT have published guidelines explaining how students can use AI tools appropriately. These policies typically focus on using AI as an assistant rather than a replacement for original work. How to Select the Right AI Tool for Your Field Different academic fields have specific writing conventions and requirements. Choosing tools that understand these differences improves their effectiveness. Science and Engineering Science and engineering theses often include technical elements like equations, data tables, and specialised terminology. Tools like Gatsbi and Writefull support these features, including LaTeX formatting commonly used in these fields. These disciplines typically use structured formats with clearly defined sections (introduction, methods, results, discussion). AI tools can help maintain this structure and ensure each section contains the expected content. Humanities and Social Sciences Humanities and social science writing often emphasises argument development, theoretical frameworks, and textual analysis. Tools like Thesify that evaluate argument quality and evidence use are particularly helpful. These fields may use discipline-specific citation styles like Chicago or MLA. Citation tools that support these formats help maintain proper attribution of sources, especially when working with primary texts and archival materials. Interdisciplinary Research Interdisciplinary theses combine methods and conventions from multiple fields. This can create challenges when using AI tools designed for specific disciplines. Researchers working across disciplines may benefit from using multiple tools together. For example, using Writefull for language improvement while using Thesify for feedback on argument structure and evidence. Practical Integration of AI Tools in Thesis Writing Adding AI tools to your writing process works best with a thoughtful approach. Starting small and gradually expanding tool use helps avoid overwhelming changes to established work habits. Begin with One Chapter Testing an AI tool on a single thesis chapter or section provides a clear sense of its benefits and limitations. This approach allows for comparison between AI-assisted and regular writing processes. After completing the test section, evaluate whether the tool improved quality, saved time, or created new challenges. This information helps decide whether to continue using the tool for the full thesis. Create Clear Boundaries Deciding in advance which tasks you'll use AI for helps maintain academic integrity. For example, you might use AI for grammar checking and citation formatting but not for generating content or developing arguments. These boundaries ensure the thesis remains your own intellectual work while still benefiting from technological assistance with mechanical aspects of writing. Combine Complementary Tools Different tools excel at different tasks. Using them together creates a more complete support system for thesis writing. A sample workflow might include: Using TheseAI to gather and summarise research for the literature review Organising the thesis structure with Gatsbi to ensure logical flow Improving language and style with Writefull during drafting Getting feedback on argument quality with Thesify before submission This approach uses each tool for its strengths while avoiding over-reliance on any single program. The Future of AI in Thesis Writing AI tools for academic writing continue to evolve, becoming more specialised and integrated with research workflows. Current trends suggest several developments on the horizon. These tools increasingly understand discipline-specific conventions and terminology. This specialisation helps them provide more relevant feedback for different academic fields. Integration between research platforms and writing tools is also improving. This allows researchers to move smoothly between finding sources, taking notes, drafting content, and formatting references. As these tools develop, access to quality academic content remains essential. Zendy's AI-powered research library offers access to peer-reviewed articles that complement AI writing tools, creating a more complete research environment. Frequently Asked Questions About AI Thesis Writing Tools How do AI thesis writing tools protect my data and research? Most academic AI tools have privacy policies stating they don't use uploaded content to train their models and maintain confidentiality of research materials, though specific protections vary by platform. Do universities allow students to use AI tools for thesis writing? Many universities permit AI tools for editing, citation formatting, and grammar checking, but typically require original thinking and content creation from the student; check your institution's specific guidelines. How do TheseAI, Gatsbi, Writefull, and Thesify differ from general AI like ChatGPT? These specialised academic tools understand scholarly conventions, integrate with research workflows, and focus on specific aspects of thesis writing rather than generating general content like ChatGPT. Can AI thesis tools help with discipline-specific terminology? Yes, tools like Writefull and Thesify recognise field-specific terminology and academic conventions across disciplines, offering more relevant suggestions than general writing tools. Will AI tools for thesis writing improve my research quality? AI tools can enhance presentation quality and efficiency but don't improve the underlying research quality; they help organise and communicate ideas more clearly rather than generating new insights. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 65% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
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