Jun 19, 2025 |
8 Mins Read
Top 46 AI Tools for Research in 2025 (Writing, Citations, Literature Review & More)
Five years ago, many believed Web 3.0 and a decentralised internet would reshape how we interact online. Instead, the real change came from artificial intelligence (AI). Quietly, it started showing up everywhere, from how we search to how we write and learn. In research, the impact of change is particularly evident. AI research tools have evolved beyond simple assistance. It's now critical to how we study, gather information, and break down complex ideas. In our recent 2025 AI survey by Zendy shows just how common AI tools for research have become: 73.6% of students and researchers say they use AI tools, with over half of them using AI tools for literature reviews and nearly as many using them for writing and editing. Table of contents: AI Research Assistants for Students: ZAIA, Elicit, Perplexity AI, Research Rabbit, Scite, ChatGPT, Connected Papers AI-driven Literature Review Tools:Zendy, Litmaps, ResearchPal, Sourcely, Consensus, R Discovery, Scinapse.io AI-powered Writing Assistants:PaperPal, Jenny.AI, Aithor, Wisio.app, Trinka AI, Grammarly AI Tools for Data Analysis in Research:Julius AI, Vizly, ChatGPT-4o, Polymer, Qlik AI Paraphrasing Tools for Students:Ref-n-write, SciSpace, MyEssayWriter.ai, Scribbr, Rewrite Guru AI Productivity Tools for ResearchersOtter AI, Bit.ai, Todoist, Notion AI Tools for Thesis Writing:TheseAI, Gatsbi, Writefull, Thesify AI Citation Management Tools:Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks AI Tools for Creating Research PresentationsGamma, Presentations.AI, PopAI, AiPPT AI Research Assistants for Students Here are some of the favourite AI research assistants for students ZAIA: Zendy's AI-powered research assistant, delivering precise, reference-backed academic insights and PDF analysis, saving time and enhancing focus Elicit: An AI research assistant that helps with literature reviews by summarising academic papers and refining research questions, but it's limited to open-access sources and lacks full PDF upload support Perplexity AI: Search-based chatbot offering sourced answers from web and academic content, however, it's good to keep in mind that perplexity was not designed for research support. Research Rabbit: Visual literature mapping tool for exploring academic papers and citation networks (limited by outdated MAG database). Scite: Citation analysis tool showing how papers reference each other, useful for evaluating credibility (paid, no full-paper summaries). ChatGPT (with research plugins): Versatile AI assistant for summarising, brainstorming, and drafting academic content (requires fact-checking). Connected Papers: Visual graph tool for discovering related research papers (limited journal coverage, no deep analysis). AI-driven Literature Review Tools Now you can save weeks, if not months, just by using one of these AI-driven literature review tools below: Zendy: AI-powered research platform offering access to millions of peer-reviewed papers with summarisation and citation tools (some features require payment). Litmaps: Visual citation mapping tool for tracing research connections and trends (no content analysis). ResearchPal: AI assistant for literature reviews and reference management, integrates with Zotero/Mendeley (paid plans for full features). Sourcely: Source-finding tool that suggests and cites relevant papers from 200M+ database (limited paywall access). Consensus: Search engine highlighting scientific consensus on topics using peer-reviewed sources (limited free version). R Discovery: Mobile app for personalised research paper discovery with audio/translation features (no deep analysis). Scinapse.io: Free citation-based academic search tool with AI-generated mini-reviews (limited full-text access). AI-powered Writing Assistants A good research article or study is recognised by how it’s written. Below, you’ll find top AI tools for research to improve your academic writing skills. PaperPal: AI writing assistant for academic papers with grammar/clarity checks and citation help (limited to formal writing). Jenny.AI: Fast draft generator for academic content (requires heavy editing, better for writing than research). Aithor: AI-assisted academic writing tool with multilingual support (mixed reviews on output quality). Wisio.app: Writing coach for academic drafts with AI/human feedback (focused on refinement, not speed). Trinka AI: Specialised grammar/citation checker for technical writing (English-focused). Grammarly: Real-time grammar/spelling checker for academic writing (lacks research-specific features). AI Tools for Data Analysis in Research Some tools focus on cleaning and organising your data, while others assist with analysis or even visualising results. Julius AI: Conversational data analysis tool for quick stats and forecasting (free tier has dataset limits). Vizly: AI-powered spreadsheet visualiser for charts and trends (10 free AI interactions/month). ChatGPT-4o: Flexible AI for dataset Q&A and brainstorming (can’t process raw files directly). Polymer: No-code dashboard generator for interactive data visuals (limited customisation options). Qlik: Advanced data integration and visualisation platform (steeper learning curve). AI Paraphrasing Tools for Students But keep in mind that paraphrasing doesn't avoid plagiarism, and you still need to cite sources. Here are some of the best AI tools for research that focus on paraphrasing: Ref-n-write: Academic writing assistant with paraphrasing tools and phrasebank (Word/Google Docs plugin). SciSpace: PDF-based AI tool for simplifying and rewriting academic texts (no full-document processing). MyEssayWriter.ai: Quick essay generator/paraphraser for early drafts (multilingual but generic output). Scribbr: Plagiarism checker and proofreading tool with synonym suggestions (125-word input limit). Rewrite Guru: Customisable rephrasing tool with grammar/plagiarism checks (less academic-focused). AI Productivity Tools for Researchers True accessibility means being able to access, use, and benefit from a tool with ease. In research, that also means saving time. Otter AI: Lecture transcription tool for real-time note-taking (accuracy depends on audio quality). Bit.ai: Collaborative workspace for organising research with academic templates (AI features require payment). Todoist: Task manager for breaking down academic projects (may be excessive for simple needs). Notion: All-in-one workspace for notes, databases, and research organising (limited offline use). AI Tools for Thesis Writing These tools won’t write your thesis for you, but they can help you stay organised, improve your writing, and work more efficiently. ThesisAI: AI thesis generator with citations and multi-format export (pay-per-document model). Gatsby: AI co-scientist for technical documents with equations/citations (paid subscription required). Writefull: Academic writing assistant for grammar, abstracts, and LaTeX (may struggle with technical terms). Thesify: Critical thinking partner for thesis feedback (no grammar checks, focuses on structure/flow). AI Citation Management Tools Here are the top citation management and referencing tools in 2025 for researchers and students. Zotero: Free, open-source reference manager with citation tools and PDF annotation (limited free storage). EndNote: Premium reference manager for large projects with Word integration (steep learning curve). Mendeley: Free reference manager with academic social network (occasionally clunky interface). RefWorks: Institution-focused cloud reference manager (requires university subscription). AI Tools for Creating Research Presentations Presenting your research effectively is just as important as conducting it. Here are top AI tools for research presentations that can save you time while helping deliver your findings in a polished, professional format. Gamma: AI-powered tool for fast academic slide creation from text (may need manual tweaks). Presentations.AI: Simple research-to-slides converter with real-time collaboration (limited design flexibility). PopAI: Interactive presentation maker with quizzes/media (steep learning curve for full feature use). AiPPT: One-click document-to-slide converter with smart formatting (advanced customisation requires effort). Conclusion AI is no longer just a tool in the research process, it’s a collaborator. However, these tools aren’t perfect; they often vary in accuracy, depth, and usability. For this reason, not every tool will be a good fit for every stage of research. As a result, it’s important to explore, test, and use a multitude of tools that fit your needs. As these technologies continue to evolve, staying curious and adaptable is the best way to keep your research sharp, stay competitive, and be ready for the future. Most importantly, always fact-check your sources, verify references, and critically review AI-generated content for clarity, accuracy, and originality. When using AI for writing or paraphrasing, ensure the final output reflects your own understanding, voice, and academic intent.Don’t forget that ethical publication practices should always come first. Follow your institution’s policies on AI use, cite AI-generated assistance where necessary, and avoid relying on tools in ways that could be considered plagiarism or lead to misrepresentation. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Zendy Integrates OECD Open Data to Enhance Research Insights and Global Knowledge Access
Dubai, UAE – June 2025 – Zendy, the AI-powered research library, has integrated open-access data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) into its platform and AI research assistant, ZAIA. This strategic addition allows users to explore and interact with one of the world’s most trusted sources of economic, social, and policy data directly through Zendy’s intuitive search experience. Founded in 1961, the OECD—known for its comprehensive and rigorously curated datasets across sectors such as education, environment, health, and development—has recently made its data openly accessible. Making this data available on Zendy enables researchers and students around the world to access critical statistics and indicators, empowering evidence-based decision-making and academic exploration. With over 770,000 users across 191 countries and territories, Zendy continues to remove barriers to knowledge by equipping its global community with high-quality, relevant content. The integration of OECD data into Zendy’s library and its AI assistant, ZAIA, empowers users to ask complex questions and receive data-enriched answers within seconds. The inclusion of OECD data strengthens Zendy’s mission to promote educational equity and democratise access to the latest research datasets. OECD’s indicators provide essential context and insights for research projects, policy development, and business analysis. These valuable resources are now easily accessible through ZAIA’s AI-powered assistant and Zendy’s search platform. This move builds on Zendy’s commitment to creating an inclusive digital research environment where high-value content and AI-powered tools work hand-in-hand to support learning and discovery. For more information, please contact: Lisette van KesselHead of MarketingEmail: l.vankessel@knowledgee.com About Zendy Zendy is an AI-powered, mission-driven library committed to enhancing the accessibility and discoverability of scholarly literature, particularly in the Global South and underserved regions. Today, the library supports over 770,000 users across 191 countries and territories, offering a comprehensive collection of academic journals, reports, and research tools to empower educators, students, and professionals worldwide. About the OECD The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that promotes better policies for better lives. With 38 member countries, the OECD provides a platform for governments to collaborate, share experiences, and develop solutions to common problems. It collects and publishes data on a wide range of topics, supporting informed policymaking and global development efforts. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Zendy and e-Marefa Partner to Expand Access to Arabic Academic Content
Dubai, UAE – May, 2025 – Zendy, the AI-powered research library, and e-Marefa, the leading digital Arabic database, have signed a partnership agreement to expand access to high-quality Arabic academic resources for researchers, students, and professionals worldwide. This strategic collaboration will make e-Marefa’s extensive collection of Arabic-language journals, theses, conference proceedings, and statistical reports available on Zendy’s platform, supporting scholars in the Arab world and beyond, to enhance global access to Arabic scholarship. With over 770,000 users in 191 countries and territories, Zendy continues to grow as a trusted platform for discovering academic knowledge. By integrating e-Marefa’s content, Zendy reinforces its mission to ensure that critical regional knowledge is not only preserved but also made accessible and discoverable to a wider audience. e-Marefa’s database spans a diverse range of disciplines including humanities, social sciences, economics, education, and medicine. Through this partnership, these valuable Arabic-language resources will be more discoverable and searchable by a global Arabic academic audience, bridging language and accessibility gaps that have historically limited the visibility of Arab scholarship. The partnership also reflects Zendy’s commitment to linguistic diversity and cultural representation in research. In a global knowledge ecosystem dominated by English-language publications, ensuring the inclusion of Arabic content is key to fostering a more balanced, inclusive academic landscape. Zendy users will now be able to explore and benefit from e-Marefa’s content seamlessly, supporting regional research, curriculum development, and policy work rooted in the local context. Together, Zendy and e-Marefa aim to empower Arabic-speaking researchers and increase the global impact of their work. For more information, please contact:Lisette van KesselHead of MarketingEmail: l.vankessel@knowledgee.com About ZendyZendy is an AI-powered 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 770,000 users across 191 countries and territories, offering a comprehensive collection of academic journals, articles, and reports to empower researchers, educators, and students around the world. About e-Marefae-Marefa is the leading digital Arabic academic database, providing access to thousands of peer-reviewed journals, dissertations, statistical data, and specialised resources across a broad range of disciplines. Serving universities, research institutions, and libraries throughout the Arab world and beyond, e-Marefa is committed to advancing academic research in Arabic and increasing the visibility of Arab scholarship on the global stage. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Wiley Collaborate with Zendy to Drive Ethical AI Through RAG-Based Innovation
Today, we announced that Wiley has joined Zendy’s RAG-based revenue-sharing model, exemplifying a positive move toward ethical AI collaboration within the academic publishing industry. This news builds on our March announcement of a new Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)-based revenue share model, created to ensure publishers are proportionately compensated when their licensed content is cited or referenced by AI. Publishers Indicate a Shift Toward Ethical AI Partnerships The addition of Wiley signals growing momentum behind Zendy’s RAG-based model. They join other publishers including IT Governance, Lived Places Publishing, Lexxion, British Online Archives, Bentham Press, and e-Marefa—reflecting a shared commitment to transparency, research integrity, and publisher-supported innovation at a time when such values are critically needed. Supported by these publishers, Zendy’s AI assistant, ZAIA, can now reference an even broader base of peer-reviewed content, ensuring that researchers receive high-quality, accurate, and fully attributed responses powered by our domain-specific large language model. Zendy Co-founder Kamran Kardan commented:“We’re seeing a turning point in how academic publishers view AI, we can sense an active shift from threat to partner. The inclusion of Wiley and our other partners sends a powerful message that transparent and fair licensing and ethical AI models are the way forward.” A Transparent Model Grounded in Attribution and Licensing ZAIA uses RAG to retrieve data from a combination of open access and licensed paywalled sources. References generated by the model are attributed, enabling Zendy to calculate compensation per citation. This ensures AI can reach its full potential without overlooking the critical questions publishers are asking. We’re building this model together with collaboration at its core. This model is not just a technical solution, it’s a statement about the future of knowledge dissemination, where publishers are part of the AI value chain, not left behind by it. We also see a future where attribution goes beyond paywalled content, recognising the pivotal contributions of Open Access publishers and, ultimately, individual authors. Our model is designed to be scalable across the entire scholarly communication ecosystem, ensuring that the benefits of AI reach every stakeholder in the research value chain. Why Ethical Attribution Matters for Researchers and Institutions For the global scholarly community, this means unrestricted access to quality, reference-backed information. With trusted sources powering responses, researchers can confidently explore new ideas. For institutions, it creates a more defined path to AI adoption with publisher-approved, ethically referenced data, supporting academic integrity and compliance at every step. Get Involved in the Future of AI Collaboration We invite all stakeholders, including academic publishers, libraries, and research institutions to join us in shaping a future where AI collaboratively supports, not replaces, the foundations of scholarly communication. For more information or to book a demo of the capabilities of Zendy’s AI solutions, please visit our website. About Zendy We are an AI-powered research library with over 780,000 users across over 190 countries. Designed to accelerate the research process, we provide access to millions of journals, articles, and e-books, while offering a range of AI-driven tools, including ZAIA, an AI assistant that helps researchers expedite their research journey. We collaborate with leading academic publishers to make scholarly content more accessible and affordable, ensuring that users can explore high-quality research with ease. Zendy is a product of Knowledge E and is developed in collaboration with researchers, students, institutions, and publishers. Our mission is to democratise access to content by making it more affordable and accessible. There are no limitations on reading, just simple access to scholarly resources. For more information, visit zendy.io. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
How to Write a Strong Literature Review (With Examples)
In a previous blog, we highlighted top 5 best AI tools for literature review that offer a large collection of research materials to support your research. Now, in this blog, we will go through the process and the 3 pillars of writing lit review while providing a real-life literature review example to help you grasp the concept with ease. What's a Literature Review? A literature review is a summary of what other researchers have already discovered about your topic. It helps you figure out what's already known, what questions still need answers, and how your own research fits into the bigger picture. What Are the 3 Pillars of Literature Review? Introduction The introduction of a literature review should: Provide context for the topic Define the scope and purpose of the review Outline the organisational framework Present a clear thesis statement Body The body of the literature review is where you analyse and synthesise existing research. Consider organising your review by: Themes or concepts Chronological order Methodological approaches Conclusion A strong conclusion should: Summarise key findings Highlight contributions to the field Discuss implications and applications Suggest directions for future research Tips on How to Write a Great Literature Review Read widely to get a full picture of your topic. Don't just summarise - analyse and compare different studies. Look for patterns and gaps in the research. Keep your writing clear and logical. Use transition words to help your ideas flow smoothly. How Zendy Can Help with Your Literature Review In order to write a strong literature review you need to find the right sources, and of course a tools to help accelerate the process. Zendy.io isn’t just a digital library that offers access to relevant studies across disciplines, but it also helps you write a solid literature review, Zendy AI tools include features designed to help you with literature reviews. You can: Summarise lengthy research articles instantly Highlight key phrases and findings Ask ZAIA, your personal AI research assistant, to explain complex papers Compare multiple sources to find common themes or gaps It’s a simple way to stay focused, save time, and actually enjoy the process. Real-Life Literature Review Example This is my favourite example of a literature review! Assume you're reviewing literature on climate change and agriculture: "Researchers have been studying how climate change affects farming for decades. Early studies in the 1990s focused mainly on crop yields (Stephen, 1992; Iana, 1995). As time went on, scientists started looking at more complex issues. For example, Sleman (2005) examined how changing rainfall patterns affect soil quality, while Monica (2010) investigated the spread of new crop diseases in warmer temperatures. Recent research has taken a broader view. Emad (2018) looked at how climate change impacts entire food systems, from farm to table. Meanwhile, Rodrigo (2020) explored how small-scale farmers in developing countries are adapting to new weather patterns. Despite all this research, we still don't know enough about how climate change will affect food security in specific regions. Future studies could focus on creating detailed, local predictions to help farmers prepare for what's ahead." See how this example of literature review flows naturally from one idea to the next? It gives you a clear picture of how research in this area has evolved over time. Other Examples of Literature Review Chronological literature review example: Learners’ Listening Comprehension Difficulties in English Language Learning: A Literature Review Methodological literature review example: Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines Theoretical literature review example: Why Do People Migrate? A Review of the Theoretical Literature Thematic literature review example: The Use of Technology in English Language Learning: A Literature Review Other literature review example: The Economics of Global Climate Change: A Historical Literature Review University of West Florida: Literature Review: Conducting & Writing By following these tips and studying literature review examples, you'll be ready to start writing a solid literature review. Remember, the key is to organise your sources, explain how they connect, and point out what still needs to be studied. Happy researching! .wp-block-image img { max-width: 85% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
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