Describe the request, approve the approach, and receive a finished analysis with structured tables, sourced reports, and supporting evidence.
This article explains how to delegate analytical tasks to the Maven Bio AI Agent. It covers how to submit a request, choose between Auto and Plan modes, use predefined or custom workflows, attach supporting files or work items, and apply inline tagging for precise context. By following this guide, you can generate structured analyses with transparent methodology, supporting evidence, and artifacts such as tables, spreadsheets, reports etc.
1. Assigning a Task to the Research Agent
Use the Maven Bio AI agent to delegate structured, end-to-end analysis with a single instruction.
On the Home Screen, locate the option to Assign a Task to the Research Agent.
Along with your question, choose one of the following ways to begin:
Select the type of exercise you want to run.
Tag the type of exercise directly in the input box.
2. Choosing Between Auto Mode and Plan Mode
Plan Mode: In Plan Mode, the Research Agent first focuses on how it will answer your query before executing it.
You enter a research query.
The Agent opens a research plan and begins outlining the steps required to fulfill the request.
The Research Agent view displays:
Your original query at the top
The research plan beneath it once planning is complete
The plan clearly shows:
The research steps the Agent will take
Any deliverables that will be produced, such as reports, tables, or models
If your query does not require deliverables, the plan will reflect this, and the Agent will return an analysis summary only.
Auto Mode: In Auto Mode, the Agent determines the appropriate steps and deliverables automatically and proceeds without requiring plan approval. Outputs follow the same structure but without the explicit plan review step.
3. Using Specific Workflows (/ Option)
Workflows are structured, repeatable templates that guide the AI Agent in executing specific analytical tasks. They standardize methodology, define expected outputs, and ensure consistency across analyses.
The AI Agent is designed to handle a wide range of analytical tasks using these workflows.
To use a workflow:
Type / in the input field and select a workflow from the dropdown list,
orClick one of the quick-access workflows displayed below the text box.
Workflows include:
MavenBio built-in workflows
Organization-wide workflows created by your team
Custom personal workflows you have created
Workflow templates originate from workflows that have been created and published on the platform. The interface is designed to make it easy to initiate structured, repeatable analyses.
To create your own workflows, follow the instructions here:
4. Attaching Files and Work Items
This allows you to provide substantial context, helping the Agent more effectively support your analysis.
To attach an item (e.g., a previously created “Active Phase 2 Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease” or a target like “Cholinesterase”), begin by clicking the attach pin and typing the name of the table, list, or item into the search bar within the pop-up window. Matching entries will appear in a dropdown, allowing you to select the desired item and click Confirm to insert it into their analysis.
You can also upload supporting files (each ≤ 2.5 MB) using the drop box as a part of their analysis. Supported file types include PDF, DOCX, PPTX, CSV, XLSX, TXT, MD, PNG, JPG, JPEG, WEBP, GIF files.
*The total combined limit for attachments is five.*
5. Inline Tagging
This helps direct the AI Agent's research by indicating which items it should focus on.
Maven Bio supports inline tagging using “@” + item + space bar, allowing you to precisely reference drugs, reports, tables, companies, indications, blueprints, target, mechanism, and more within your query.
This opens a selectable dropdown. Start typing the drug name and select it from the list. It will be inserted as a tag in your message. You can tag Reports, Smart Tables, All blueprints, Drugs, Companies, Targets, Indications, Mechanisms.