> 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/research-and-publications/discovering-and-requesting-research.md).

# Discovering and requesting research

#### Page contents

* [How do I search for research items on ResearchGate?](#how-do-i-search-for-research-items-on-researchgate)
* [How do I request the full-text of an article?](#how-do-i-request-the-full-text-of-an-article)
* [What happens after I request a full-text?](#what-happens-after-i-request-a-full-text)
* [Can I cancel a full-text request?](#can-i-cancel-a-full-text-request)
* [How do I respond to or decline a full-text request?](#how-do-i-respond-to-or-decline-a-full-text-request)

#### How do I search for research items on ResearchGate?

To find a specific researcher, publication, or question, simply use the search bar at the top of any ResearchGate page.

1. Type the name of the researcher, research item, or question into the search bar.
2. Press Enter or click on the search icon.
3. Use Filters: If your item doesn't appear right away, use the filters (like Research, People, or Questions) at the top of the results page to narrow your search.

Tip: You can also use a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the search bar to quickly find and identify a publication

#### How do I request the full-text of an article?

We believe that scientific content should be accessible. If a publication doesn't have a publicly available full-text, you can send a request directly to the authors. This option is available to both logged-in and logged-out readers.

1. **Find the Request full-text button**
   1. If the publication is part of our [journal partnerships](/research-and-publications/journal-partnerships.md), you may see **View access options** instead. Select this, and then choose Request full-text from authors in the dialog box.
2. **Send the request:** The request is automatically sent to the publication's authors who are on ResearchGate and have added the work to their profiles.

#### What happens after I request a full-text?

The request can only be fulfilled by the authors of the publication. If an author has not confirmed authorship of the publication, they'll only receive the request once they confirm their authorship. ResearchGate does not provide or automatically supply copies of any content.

* **Authors can choose to:**
  * Share the full-text publicly.
  * Send a private copy directly to you.
  * Ignore or decline the request.
* **Notification:** You will receive a notification if the author chooses to share the full-text with you.
* **If an author is not on ResearchGate:** Your request will be saved and automatically sent to them if they join ResearchGate in the future and confirm authorship of the publication.
* **Timeframe:** The time it takes is entirely up to the authors. It is possible that your request may never be fulfilled (e.g., if the authors do not have the right to share the content).

#### Can I cancel a full-text request?

No, it is not possible to cancel a full-text request after it has been sent. Please only request research that is truly of interest to you.

#### How do I respond to or decline a full-text request?

Requests from other researchers are all collected in one place.

You can find all your requests by clicking the speech bubble icon at the top-right of any ResearchGate page, or by going directly to [Requests](https://www.researchgate.net/requests).

**Fulfilling a request**

1. Go to Requests: Visit [Requests](https://www.researchgate.net/requests) and click the blue **View request** button on the research item you want to fulfill.
2. Select **Respond to...**
3. Choose your sharing option:
   1. If a private copy is already on ResearchGate: Select the version you want to share and then choose:
      1. **Add as a public full-text** (visible to everyone).
      2. **Send in message** (private copy to the requester).
   2. If you need to upload a file: Select **Share different full-text** to upload a file from your computer, and then choose your sharing option (public or private message).

**Declining a request**

1. Go to Requests: Visit [Requests](https://www.researchgate.net/requests).
2. Decline: In the Open requests tab, find the relevant research item and click **Decline request**.
3. Send Message (Optional):
   1. Enter a reason or choose a quick reply and click **Send message**. (Your message will be recorded in your [Sent](https://www.researchgate.net/messages/sent) tab).
4. To decline without a message, click **Decline without message**.

**Important: Confirm your rights to share**

Before sharing any full-text, you must confirm that you have sufficient rights to do so, either publicly or privately. ResearchGate cannot advise on your rights, licenses, or any restrictions that may apply to the content. We rely on you to understand your rights and act accordingly. For more information, please review our [Intellectual Property Policy](https://www.researchgate.net/application.IntellectualPropertyPolicy.html).


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