General

What is ResearchStack?

ResearchStack is a comprehensive research management platform designed for scientists, academics, and research professionals. It helps you track projects, publications, funding, milestones, and more—all with the help of an on-device AI assistant called RSi.

What platforms does ResearchStack support?

ResearchStack is currently available for iOS (iPhone and iPad) running iOS 17.0 or later. The app is optimized for both devices with full iPad multitasking support.

Is ResearchStack free?

ResearchStack offers a free tier with up to 3 active projects and 2 funding sources. For unlimited projects and advanced features, you can upgrade to Premium for a one-time purchase of $14.99.

Do I need an internet connection?

ResearchStack works completely offline. All your data is stored locally on your device. An internet connection is only needed for iCloud sync between your devices.

Privacy & Security

Where is my data stored?

All your research data is stored locally on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework. If you enable iCloud sync, your data is also stored in your private iCloud account, encrypted and accessible only to you.

Is my data private?

Absolutely. ResearchStack is built with privacy as the top priority. We don't collect, store, or have access to any of your research data. There are no third-party analytics, no tracking, and no data collection. Your research stays yours.

How does the AI assistant work without sending data to servers?

RSi, our AI assistant, uses on-device machine learning models powered by Apple's CoreML framework. All AI processing happens locally on your device—your data never leaves your iPhone or iPad.

Is ResearchStack HIPAA compliant?

While ResearchStack doesn't directly handle protected health information (PHI), its privacy-first architecture makes it suitable for research environments with strict data protection requirements. All data stays on your device or in your private iCloud, with no third-party access.

Features & Functionality

What can I track with ResearchStack?

ResearchStack allows you to track:

  • Research projects with custom statuses and types
  • Publications (journal articles, conference papers, preprints)
  • Funding sources (grants, contracts, institutional funding)
  • Budget and expenses with transaction reconciliation
  • Milestones and deadlines
  • Collaborators and team members
  • Notes with images and documents

What is RSi?

RSi (Research Stack intelligence) is your personal AI assistant that understands research workflows. You can use natural language to create entries, query data, and get insights. For example, "I spent $50 on lab supplies" or "What's my budget status?" RSi processes everything on your device for complete privacy.

Can I export my data?

Yes! ResearchStack includes comprehensive export functionality. You can export your entire database as a JSON file, generate PDF reports with charts and visualizations, or export individual projects and funding sources.

Does ResearchStack sync across devices?

Yes, with iCloud sync enabled, your data automatically syncs across all your Apple devices. Work on your iPhone, continue on your iPad—everything stays in sync.

Can I attach files to notes?

Yes! You can attach images and documents to notes. All attachments are stored locally and sync automatically via iCloud to your other devices.

Funding & Budget Management

How does budget tracking work?

ResearchStack tracks your funding sources and expenses in real-time. You can record transactions, categorize expenses, allocate costs across multiple projects, and monitor your spending against budget limits. Visual charts help you understand your burn rate and remaining funds.

Can I split expenses across multiple projects?

Yes! When recording a transaction, you can allocate it across multiple projects by percentage. This is perfect for shared equipment, supplies, or personnel costs.

What is transaction reconciliation?

Transaction reconciliation helps you track which expenses have been submitted to your finance department. Mark transactions as reconciled once you've submitted them, and they'll appear dimmed in your list. This helps you keep track of what's been processed and what still needs to be submitted.

Can I track cost centers and account codes?

Yes! Each transaction can include cost center codes, account codes, invoice numbers, and vendor information—all the details your finance department needs.

Technical Support

I found a bug. How do I report it?

We appreciate bug reports! Please visit our Contact page to report any issues you encounter. Include a description of the problem, steps to reproduce it, and screenshots if applicable.

Can I request new features?

Absolutely! We love hearing from our users. Visit our Contact page to submit feature requests. We review all suggestions and prioritize based on user demand.

How do I backup my data?

Your data is automatically backed up via iCloud if sync is enabled. You can also manually export your entire database from Settings → Data Management → Export Data. We recommend keeping regular backups, especially before major iOS updates.

What if I lose my device?

If you have iCloud sync enabled, all your data is safely stored in your iCloud account. Simply sign in to your iCloud account on a new device, install ResearchStack, and your data will sync automatically.

How do I get support?

For technical support, visit our Contact page. We typically respond within 24-48 hours during business days.

Pricing & Billing

What's included in the free version?

The free version includes up to 3 active projects, 2 funding sources, unlimited publications, unlimited milestones, RSi AI assistant, iCloud sync, and basic reports. It's perfect for individual researchers or students managing a few projects.

What's the difference between Free and Premium?

Premium removes all limits—unlimited projects, unlimited funding sources, unlimited everything. You also get advanced reports with charts, PDF export, and priority support. Premium is a one-time purchase of $14.99 with all future updates included.

Is Premium a subscription?

No! Premium is a one-time purchase. Pay once, use forever. No recurring charges, no subscriptions. All future updates are included.

Can I try Premium before buying?

The free version gives you a complete experience with the core features. If you need more than 3 projects or 2 funding sources, Premium is the way to go. We're confident you'll love it!

Do you offer institutional licenses?

Yes! For institutional inquiries, volume licensing, or custom deployments, please visit our Contact page and select "Institutional Inquiries."

Still have questions?

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