How do I install the academic search mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `SEMANTIC_SCHOLAR_API_KEY`, `CROSSREF_API_KEY` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Academic Search MCP Server

A [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol) server that enables searching and retrieving academic paper

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Academic Search MCP Server?

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables searching and retrieving academic paper information from

The short version

search_papers: Search for academic papers across multiple sources
query (str): Search query text
limit (int, optional): Maximum number of results to return (default: 10)
Returns: Formatted string containing paper details
fetch_paper_details: Retrieve detailed information for a specific paper
paper_id (str): Paper identifier (DOI or Semantic Scholar ID)

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

How to install the Academic Search MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "academic-search": {
      "command": "uv",
      "args": [
        "run ",
        "/path/to/server/server.py"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SEMANTIC_SCHOLAR_API_KEY": "YOUR_SEMANTIC_SCHOLAR_API_KEY",
        "CROSSREF_API_KEY": "YOUR_CROSSREF_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}

From the project documentation. Replace placeholders and example paths before connecting.

Configuration

Variable	Description	Required
SEMANTIC_SCHOLAR_API_KEY	Declared in the maintainer’s client configuration.	Check documentation
CROSSREF_API_KEY	Declared in the maintainer’s client configuration.	Optional

Frequently asked questions

A [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol) server that enables searching and retrieving academic paper information from Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.