> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.researchgate.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.researchgate.net/getting-started/what-is-researchgate.md).

# What is ResearchGate?

### Page contents

* [Overview](#overview)
* [What can I do on ResearchGate?](#what-can-i-do-on-researchgate)
* [How do I get started?](#how-do-i-get-started)

#### Overview <a href="#overview" id="overview"></a>

ResearchGate is the professional network for scientists and researchers. Our platform provides a global community of over 25 million members where you can connect, collaborate, and share your work.

#### What can I do on ResearchGate? <a href="#what-can-i-do-on-researchgate" id="what-can-i-do-on-researchgate"></a>

Joining the ResearchGate community allows you to:

* Connect and collaborate: Find and connect with colleagues, co-authors, and specialists in your field from around the world.
* Share your work: Upload your research and track its influence using detailed statistics.
* Access research: Discover and read a wide range of relevant journal content and other research materials.
* Share expertise (Q\&A): Ask research-related questions, get answers from experts, and contribute your own knowledge to the community.
* Advance your career: Discover professional opportunities like jobs, learning resources, and publishing options tailored to your field.

#### How do I get started? <a href="#how-do-i-get-started" id="how-do-i-get-started"></a>

Start connecting with the research world in a few simple steps.

**1. Register**

* Go to [ResearchGate](http://www.researchgate.net/) and click **Join for free**.
* Note: Membership is only open to active researchers. For more details on eligibility, [learn more](/getting-started/signing-up-for-researchgate.md).

**2. Complete Your Profile**

* Add a profile photo: Profiles with photos receive 3 times more views.
* List your skills and expertise: This helps other researchers understand your work and ensures you see relevant content.
* Specify your current institution and department: This helps you connect with peers and grants you access to specific research and opportunities.
* Tip: To find and claim your publications, see [Authorship](/profile/authorship.md).

**3. Engage with the Community**

* Grow your network: Once your profile is set up, visit your [Related researchers](https://www.researchgate.net/browse.BrowseSuggestResearcher.html) page to follow others in your field.
* Explore Q\&A: Participate by asking questions or sharing your knowledge by answering others. It’s a great way to start engaging immediately.
* Learn more about interacting with peers: Review our [Community Guidelines](https://www.researchgate.net/community-guidelines).

**4. Discover research**

Check your Home feed (accessible by clicking **Home** at the top left of any page) for the latest research and updates.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://help.researchgate.net/getting-started/what-is-researchgate.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.