openalex

Search Works

search_works

Read-onlyIdempotent

Search scholarly/academic research across ALL fields — medicine, biology, neuroscience, genetics, chemistry, physics, materials science, computer science, economics, and beyond. Find recent studies, papers, and findings on any topic, gene, disease, drug, material, method, or theory by title, author, or keyword — e.g. "latest research on Kv7 potassium channels in epilepsy", "recent studies on semaglutide", "what has been published on X". Returns title, authors, journal, publication year, citation count, and abstract.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description
`limit`	No	Number of results to return (1-25, default 10)
`query`	Yes	Search query (e.g., "transformer neural networks")
`_apiKey`	No	OpenAlex API key. Optional — Pipeworx supplies one; pass your own to bill your account instead.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`total`	Yes	Total number of works matching the query
`results`	Yes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

Changed1 schema field changedAug 8, 2026

addedInput schema / properties / _apiKey

Added value: +{
+  "description": "OpenAlex API key. Optional — Pipeworx supplies one; pass your own to bill your account instead.",
+  "type": "string"
+}

Changed2 schema fields changedMay 24, 2026

addedInput schema / examples

Added value: +[
+  {
+    "query": "transformer neural networks"
+  },
+  {
+    "limit": 20,
+    "query": "CRISPR gene editing"
+  }
+]

changedOutput schema / (root)

Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
+  "properties": {
+    "results": {
+      "items": {
+        "properties": {
+          "abstract": {
+            "description": "Work abstract text",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "authors": {
+            "description": "List of author names",
+            "items": {
+              "type": "string"
+            },
+            "type": "array"
+          },
+          "cited_by_count": {
+            "description": "Number of citations",
+            "type": "number"
+          },
+          "concepts": {
+            "description": "Top research concepts/fields (up to 5)",
+            "items": {
+              "type": "string"
+            },
+            "type": "array"
+          },
+          "doi": {
+            "description": "Digital Object Identifier",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "id": {
+            "description": "OpenAlex work ID",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "journal": {
+            "description": "Journal or publication venue name",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "oa_url": {
+            "description": "Open access URL if available",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "open_access": {
+            "description": "Whether work is open access",
+            "type": "boolean"
+          },
+          "publication_year": {
+            "description": "Year of publication",
+            "type": [
+              "number",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "title": {
+            "description": "Work title",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "type": {
+            "description": "Work type (e.g., journal-article)",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "id",
+          "doi",
+          "title",
+          "publication_year",
+          "type",
+          "open_access",
+          "oa_url",
+          "cited_by_count",
+          "journal",
+          "authors",
+          "concepts",
+          "abstract"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      },
+      "type": "array"
+    },
+    "total": {
+      "description": "Total number of works matching the query",
+      "type": "number"
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [
+    "total",
+    "results"
+  ],
+  "type": "object"
+}

Changed2 schema fields changedMay 13, 2026

removedInput schema / examples

Removed value: -[
-  {
-    "query": "transformer neural networks"
-  },
-  {
-    "limit": 20,
-    "query": "CRISPR gene editing"
-  }
-]

changedOutput schema / (root)

Previous value: -{
-  "properties": {
-    "results": {
-      "items": {
-        "properties": {
-          "abstract": {
-            "description": "Work abstract text",
-            "type": [
-              "string",
-              "null"
-            ]
-          },
-          "authors": {
-            "description": "List of author names",
-            "items": {
-              "type": "string"
-            },
-            "type": "array"
-          },
-          "cited_by_count": {
-            "description": "Number of citations",
-            "type": "number"
-          },
-          "concepts": {
-            "description": "Top research concepts/fields (up to 5)",
-            "items": {
-              "type": "string"
-            },
-            "type": "array"
-          },
-          "doi": {
-            "description": "Digital Object Identifier",
-            "type": [
-              "string",
-              "null"
-            ]
-          },
-          "id": {
-            "description": "OpenAlex work ID",
-            "type": "string"
-          },
-          "journal": {
-            "description": "Journal or publication venue name",
-            "type": [
-              "string",
-              "null"
-            ]
-          },
-          "oa_url": {
-            "description": "Open access URL if available",
-            "type": [
-              "string",
-              "null"
-            ]
-          },
-          "open_access": {
-            "description": "Whether work is open access",
-            "type": "boolean"
-          },
-          "publication_year": {
-            "description": "Year of publication",
-            "type": [
-              "number",
-              "null"
-            ]
-          },
-          "title": {
-            "description": "Work title",
-            "type": [
-              "string",
-              "null"
-            ]
-          },
-          "type": {
-            "description": "Work type (e.g., journal-article)",
-            "type": [
-              "string",
-              "null"
-            ]
-          }
-        },
-        "required": [
-          "id",
-          "doi",
-          "title",
-          "publication_year",
-          "type",
-          "open_access",
-          "oa_url",
-          "cited_by_count",
-          "journal",
-          "authors",
-          "concepts",
-          "abstract"
-        ],
-        "type": "object"
-      },
-      "type": "array"
-    },
-    "total": {
-      "description": "Total number of works matching the query",
-      "type": "number"
-    }
-  },
-  "required": [
-    "total",
-    "results"
-  ],
-  "type": "object"
-}New value: +null

Changed1 schema field changedMay 8, 2026

changedOutput schema / (root)

Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
+  "properties": {
+    "results": {
+      "items": {
+        "properties": {
+          "abstract": {
+            "description": "Work abstract text",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "authors": {
+            "description": "List of author names",
+            "items": {
+              "type": "string"
+            },
+            "type": "array"
+          },
+          "cited_by_count": {
+            "description": "Number of citations",
+            "type": "number"
+          },
+          "concepts": {
+            "description": "Top research concepts/fields (up to 5)",
+            "items": {
+              "type": "string"
+            },
+            "type": "array"
+          },
+          "doi": {
+            "description": "Digital Object Identifier",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "id": {
+            "description": "OpenAlex work ID",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "journal": {
+            "description": "Journal or publication venue name",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "oa_url": {
+            "description": "Open access URL if available",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "open_access": {
+            "description": "Whether work is open access",
+            "type": "boolean"
+          },
+          "publication_year": {
+            "description": "Year of publication",
+            "type": [
+              "number",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "title": {
+            "description": "Work title",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "type": {
+            "description": "Work type (e.g., journal-article)",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "id",
+          "doi",
+          "title",
+          "publication_year",
+          "type",
+          "open_access",
+          "oa_url",
+          "cited_by_count",
+          "journal",
+          "authors",
+          "concepts",
+          "abstract"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      },
+      "type": "array"
+    },
+    "total": {
+      "description": "Total number of works matching the query",
+      "type": "number"
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [
+    "total",
+    "results"
+  ],
+  "type": "object"
+}

Changed1 schema field changedMay 6, 2026

addedInput schema / examples

Added value: +[
+  {
+    "query": "transformer neural networks"
+  },
+  {
+    "limit": 20,
+    "query": "CRISPR gene editing"
+  }
+]

First observedApr 14, 2026

TDQS

A3.9/5.0

Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already cover readOnly, openWorld, idempotent, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds the return fields (title, authors, journal, year, citations, abstract) and broad scope, but does not disclose additional behavioral details such as result sorting or data source limitations. Given the annotation coverage, this is acceptable but not exceptional.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is somewhat long but well-structured: it opens with the core function, provides concrete examples, and ends with return fields. Every sentence contributes value, though a bit more conciseness could be achieved without losing the helpful examples.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With a rich output schema and 100% schema parameter coverage, the description provides enough context for an agent to select and invoke the tool. It clearly states the scope and return information. Minor omissions like result ordering or database source are not critical given the output schema exists.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% coverage for all three parameters (query, limit, _apiKey). The description's example queries add useful context for what the query parameter should contain, but it does not add meaning beyond the schema for the other parameters. Baseline of 3 applies because the schema does the heavy lifting.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool searches scholarly/academic research across ALL fields, using specific verbs and resources (search works/papers by title, author, or keyword). It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like search_authors and search_institutions by focusing on research works and results.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Provides clear context with example queries and explicitly lists what kinds of searches are appropriate (recent studies, papers, findings on topics). It does not explicitly mention alternatives or exclusions, but the scope is well implied through examples and the 'ALL fields' phrase.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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Search Works

Input Schema

Output Schema

Schema Changelog

TDQS

Glama MCP Gateway

Resources