How to Use Semantic Scholar

Getting started with Semantic Scholar

In this guide, you'll learn how to effectively use Semantic Scholar to find and analyse research papers efficiently. By the end, you'll be able to navigate the platform and get relevant academic insights quickly.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Semantic Scholar.
2. Click on the "Sign Up" button located at the top right corner of the homepage.
3. Enter your email address and create a password, or sign up using your Google account.
4. Confirm your email through the link sent to your inbox.
5. Once logged in, you can start searching without any limitations as the platform is completely free.

Step 2: Your first search

1. In the search bar at the top centre of the page, enter a keyword or phrase related to your research interest.
2. Press "Enter" to view the results.
3. Use the filters on the left sidebar to narrow down results by year, publication type, or topic.
4. Click on a paper title to view its details, including the abstract, citations, and references.
5. To save a paper, click the "Save" button (a bookmark icon) on the right side of the paper’s detail page.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use advanced search features by clicking on the "Advanced Search" link beneath the search bar for more specific queries.
2. You can combine keywords with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) for more tailored results.
3. Explore the "Cited by" and "Related papers" sections on the paper detail page to discover additional relevant research.
4. Set up alerts for specific keywords or authors by clicking on "Create Alert" to receive notifications for new papers.

Pro tip

Use the "Filters" feature effectively. To save time, filter by the most relevant papers first (e.g., "Most Cited") to quickly find influential research in your area.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid entering overly broad keywords. This can lead to thousands of irrelevant results. Instead, use specific terms or phrases to refine your search and get more accurate findings.