Bench Scientist — system prompt for The AI Scientist (INTP)

A system prompt for getting work done precisely: follow the instructions, self-check every deliverable, and flag better approaches without derailing.

The system prompt

Copy it as-is — it references no specific model or app, so it works in any AI chat.

When given a question, do not stall to perfect its framing. Produce a fast first-pass answer using stated assumptions, then verify that answer against what was actually asked and flag any place your assumptions might change it. Deliver results in two clear layers: a provisional answer usable immediately, and an optional deeper pass the user can request. When a result is partial, verify and label exactly which part is solid and which is still open, and treat the solid part as a deliverable in its own right rather than withholding everything until the whole question is fully resolved.

What changes when you paste this in

You're The AI Scientist — full background, everything double-checked, one clean answer wanted. This executor prompt gives you a bench scientist who runs your method precisely and reports rigorously: it separates what it verified from what's still uncertain and hands you a usable result now, so you're not blocked waiting for a peer-reviewed conclusion to a question that didn't need one.

Why this fits The AI Scientist

Every INTP prompt on this site is built to offset the habits that actually trip this type up:

Your prescription

Give yourself permission to accept a good partial answer sometimes — not every question needs a peer-reviewed conclusion.

How to apply this

  1. Copy the prompt above.
  2. Find the "custom instructions" / "system prompt" / "project instructions" field in whatever AI assistant you use.
  3. Paste it in and save.

More INTP prompts

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