---
title: ToolRouter — Agent Use Case Guide
description: Step-by-step guide for completing a task with a specific AI agent using ToolRouter.
url: https://toolrouter.com/tools/academic-research/use-cases/search-papers-by-topic/claude
---
# How to Search Papers by Topic with Claude

Claude turns academic search into a research conversation. Start with a broad query, then progressively narrow by asking about citation counts, specific methodologies, or time periods. Combine multiple searches across related subtopics to build comprehensive coverage. The iterative approach mimics how an experienced researcher navigates the literature.

## Setup

claude mcp add toolrouter -- npx -y toolrouter-mcp

## Steps

1. Connect ToolRouter: claude mcp add toolrouter -- npx -y toolrouter-mcp
2. Ask Claude: "Search for papers on transformer architectures using academic-research"
3. Claude returns relevant papers with titles, authors, and abstracts
4. Ask: "Which of these are the most cited?"
5. Narrow your search with follow-up queries

## Example Prompt

```
Find recent academic papers on CRISPR gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Show the most cited ones first.
```

## Tips

- Use specific technical terms for more targeted results
- Ask Claude to summarize the abstracts of top results
- Combine multiple searches to cover different angles of a topic
