The Last Human-Written Paper: Agent-Native Research Artifacts

Abstract

Traditional research papers discard failed experiments and obscure implementation details, hindering reproducibility and cumulative scientific progress. We propose Agent-Native Research Artifacts (Ara), a machine-executable format that replaces the static paper with a structured, agent-consumable representation of a research project. Ara comprises four layers—scientific logic, executable code, exploration graphs, and evidence records—supported by a Live Research Manager, an Ara Compiler, and an automated review system. Across benchmark evaluations, Ara improves question-answering accuracy from 72.4% to 93.7% and substantially raises reproduction success rates, suggesting a viable path toward research artifacts designed for both human and agent readers.