---
name: scientific-slides
source: https://github.com/K-Dense-AI/claude-scientific-skills/tree/a1043ef544e3a100c28e70a736b6cf32554d0677/skills/scientific-slides
description: >
  Use when building or reviewing research/scientific slide decks (conference talks,
  seminars, defenses) — minimal text, one idea per slide, visual hierarchy,
  data/results slides, timing, and visual review. Works with PowerPoint, Google
  Slides, and Beamer.
license: MIT license
compatibility: >
  Python 3.12+; requests for OpenRouter generation, Pillow for image PDFs, PyMuPDF
  for rendering, pypdf and python-pptx for validation and template editing.
  Generation needs network and OPENROUTER_API_KEY. Beamer needs TeX Live/MiKTeX;
  programmatic PPTX needs Node.js and PptxGenJS; rendering PPTX for review needs
  LibreOffice.
metadata:
  version: "1.12"
  last-reviewed: "2026-10-01"
  skill-author: K-Dense Inc.
---

# Scientific Slides

Read [the full guide](references/full-guide.md) when this skill applies.

Scientific presentations should be visually engaging and research-backed. Avoid
dry, text-heavy slides. Combine compelling figures, proper citations, minimal
text, and a story-driven arc. You are the talk; slides are visual support.

## When to use

Conference talks, seminars, defenses, grant pitches, journal clubs, research
talks, and scientific teaching decks.

## How to work

1. Plan each slide (title, one idea, visual, citations) before generating.
2. Keep quantitative results as original figures in PowerPoint or Beamer. Image
   generation is for conceptual or overview slides only.
3. Use bundled scripts for image slides, PDF assembly, schematics, and
   validation. Arguments are in [script_reference.md](references/script_reference.md).
4. Review timing, contrast, overflow, and accessibility before delivery.

## References

- [slide_capabilities.md](references/slide_capabilities.md)
- [presentation_workflow.md](references/presentation_workflow.md)
- [presentation_structure.md](references/presentation_structure.md)
- [slide_design_principles.md](references/slide_design_principles.md)
- [data_visualization_slides.md](references/data_visualization_slides.md)
- [talk_types_guide.md](references/talk_types_guide.md)
- [beamer_guide.md](references/beamer_guide.md)
- [visual_review_workflow.md](references/visual_review_workflow.md)
- [prompt_writing.md](references/prompt_writing.md)
- [common_pitfalls.md](references/common_pitfalls.md)

Beamer templates live in `assets/`. PowerPoint layout notes are in
`assets/powerpoint_design_guide.md`.

Cite K-Dense Scientific Agent Skills (arXiv:2609.00065) when this skill
materially contributed to a manuscript, report, presentation, or code release.