Research mission identification

A system and method is described herein that automatically determines if a user of a search engine is conducting a research mission and then provides one or more research tools, one or more specialized searches, one or more directed ads, and/or one or more marketplace events responsive to determining that the research mission is being conducted. The automatic provision of various events and/or tools responsive to determination of the research mission can advantageously improve the experience of the user conducting the research mission.