A system and method is described herein that automatically detects when a user of a search engine is conducting a research session about a particular topic and then presents the user with access to one or more research-related tools responsive to detecting that the research session is being conducted. The research-related tool(s) may include one or more tools used for collecting, organizing and sharing content about the particular topic. The automatic provision of access to the research-related tool(s) responsive to detection of the research session can advantageously improve the experience of the user conducting the research session.