Think critically
Check claims against the evidence.
Research Nest
Research StartsWith One Question.
Learn it. Practice it. Get research-ready.
Learn the basics, read published papers and test your understanding.
Free 9 lessons 39 real papers to practice on 38 lab models
New Try Benchtop Lab: explore science and economics simulations →Research Journey in 9 steps
Free and beginner-friendly. Each lesson has a video, slides, an activity and a quiz.
- Start here · Lesson 1Choose a TopicTurn something you’re curious about into a focused starting point.90 min · video, slides & quiz
- Lesson 2Review the LiteratureFind trustworthy sources and learn what’s already known.95 min · video, slides & quiz
- Lesson 3Find a Research GapSpot the missing piece your project could add.90 min · video, slides & quiz
- Lesson 4Develop a Research QuestionWrite a focused, answerable question. A hypothesis only if your method needs one.110 min · video, slides & quiz
- Lesson 5Design the StudyMatch your method to your question and plan it ethically.120 min · video, slides & quiz
- Lesson 6Collect & Analyse DataGather evidence consistently and find honest patterns.105 min · video, slides & quiz
- Lesson 7Write the Research PaperUse the structure your field expects and draft in rounds.190 min · video, slides & quiz
- Lesson 8Present Your FindingsShare your work as a short talk or poster with one clear message.95 min · video, slides & quiz
- Lesson 9Publish & DisseminateChoose a safe way to share your work. Publishing is optional.95 min · video, slides & quiz
Practice with real papers in
Practice with published papers
Read a paper.
Test your understanding.
Read a paper, answer questions and get feedback on each answer.
- Real papers
- 39
- Subjects
- 13
- Levels each
- 3
New · Benchtop Lab
Try an experiment.
See what changes.
Explore simulations based on published models. Change a variable, compare results and save your observations.
- Models
- 38
- Subjects
- 6
- Experiments
- 152
Free. Sign in with your Research Nest account to start.
BiologyBiofilm growth · Antibiotics · Epidemics · Drug dosing · Viruses · Gene circuits · +2 moreChemistryReaction rates · Titrations · Enzymes · Oscillating reactions · Turing patterns · +2 morePhysicsCircuits · Radioactive decay · Optics · Projectiles · Pendulums · +6 moreEarth & SpaceClimate & greenhouse effect · Orbits & gravity · Forest firesMathsChaos · Logistic map · Random walks · Predators & preyEconomicsSupply & demand · Economic growth · Wealth inequality · Cooperation games · Segregation
Partners
We ambassador
Explore research programs and competitions from our partners.
- THE BU1LDThe BU1LDResearch Proposal Competition: open 28 October–24 November 2026. First place wins professor mentorship.Explore the competition
Non-TrivialFree online research programmes for young people, with mentorship and opportunities for project funding.Explore Non-Trivial 
International Research OlympiadA global competition in reading and reasoning about real research papers.Train for the IRO 
Global Research and Consulting GroupSocial impact essay and case competitions for high school students.Sign up for GRC Pre-Collegiate
Want to help more students get started in research?
Become a PartnerBring Research Nest to your school or community.
Explore branchesBeyond the course
Skills that stay with you.
Practice skills you can use in school and your own projects.
Write with clarity
Build a clear argument and cite your sources.
Find your direction
Explore subjects you might want to study further.
Make something yours
Create a paper, poster or project you can explain.
University & beyond
Have a story you can explain.
Discuss your own work in university applications or interviews where relevant.
Keep a record of your contribution and what you learned.
Admissions requirements vary. A paper or certificate does not guarantee a place.
Read Yale’s admissions guidance ↗The future of research
New tools. Better questions.
Explore AI tools and open datasets, and learn when to question their results.
Check sources, recognise bias and protect personal data.
Responsible AIOpen scienceShared discovery
Explore UNESCO’s perspective ↗Small projects count
Your next question could be close to home.
Compare temperatures around school or analyse an open dataset. Choose a question you have the time and resources to investigate.
Research Nest online