If you're starting out in the world of AI applied to research, you've probably experienced this: They recommend tools, models, platforms… and you end up with 34 tabs open, each one more confusing than the last.
Relax. We've all been there.
The good news: You don't need to spend a single euro to start using AI in your day-to-day work as a researcher.
Seriously, there are free tools that can change your (scientific) life, help you research faster, and above all, prevent you from going crazy searching for, summarizing, or analyzing data.
Let's see what they are, how to use them, and how to choose the ones that really work for you.
Top free AI tools for research
Before we get into names, let me tell you something: AI is not just for “AI experts”. You can use it even if you're from biology, psychology, chemistry, sociology, or neuroscience.
The trick is to start with tools that They do a lot... without asking you for everything..
Here are some categories that will make your life easier from day one:
1. AI to summarize and understand papers
Do you eat 25-page articles like they were snacks? Hopefully.
For the rest of us mortals, using automatic summarization tools is a lifesaver.
Some very good and free ones:
- SciSpace (summaries, explanations, figures translated into plain language)
- Scholarcy (summarizes, extracts tables, makes flashcards from the paper)
Ideal when you want to quickly understand if that article is relevant… without wasting the whole morning.
2. AI for searching scientific articles
Search is the great black hole of time. Here, AI shines brightly:
- Semantic Scholar (AI-based intelligent search)
- Connected Papers (visual research maps)
- Research Rabbit (similar, very visual and useful for reviewing literature)
They help you discover connections you wouldn't see in a normal search.
It's like having a colleague who has already read every paper on the planet.
3. AI for writing and improving scientific texts
Yes, you know how to write. But optimize, shorten, clarify or adapt the tone It's not always that easy.
- LanguageTool (advanced style revisions)
- Writefull (trained in academic texts, very useful)
- DeepL Write (very natural writing alternatives)
They don't replace your scientific judgment, but They save you hours of editing.
4. AI for data analysis (basic level)
If you're just starting out with programming or analysis, these tools will help you without overwhelming you:
- Google Collab (free to run Python and models)
- Jupyter Notebook + AI extensions
- ChatGPT Free + Guided Code (to correct scripts, generate functions, review logic)
Perfect for starting to work with data without setting up a complicated environment.
How to choose the best free AI tools?
Here's the important part, because it's not about using all of them, but the ones that suit you.
Think about your problem, not the tool
If your problem is that It takes you hours to filter papers, Start with search tools. If your problem is that You don't have enough time in the world to write., Go to the writing classes.
The right tool is the one that solves your current problem.
Start with one or two
Don't try to master 15 tools at once.
Pick a pair, give them a week and see if they suit you.
Let them be simple
If you need a 40-minute tutorial to use it… it’s probably not for you (yet).
They should respect your privacy
Especially if you work with sensitive data or unpublished projects.
Learn to ask properly (very important)
With AI, The quality of your result depends on the quality of your questions..
If you ask for the wrong thing, you get smoke. If you ask for the right thing, you get gold.
And this is where many researchers get stuck…because it's not obvious as to speak nicely to an AI.
That's why at Maxymia you have two courses that save you months of trial and error: AI for Scientists and Mastering Prompt Engineering: The Art of Asking Questions
They are perfect if you want to go from "I use AI as best I can" to "AI works for me, not the other way around".
Biotechnologist and biostatistician specializing in data analysis and artificial intelligence applied to research. Founder of Maxymia, combines science and technology to develop solutions and training in automation for the scientific field.
