diff --git a/src/fabledassistant/services/intent.py b/src/fabledassistant/services/intent.py
index 0473bf6..7d8b1e8 100644
--- a/src/fabledassistant/services/intent.py
+++ b/src/fabledassistant/services/intent.py
@@ -104,12 +104,17 @@ Rules:
   ("search for X", "look up X", "what is the latest version of X", "find X online",
    "google X", "what is X" for quick factual answers — NOT when they want a comprehensive note)
 - research_topic: user wants to research a topic and create a comprehensive note from web sources
-  ("research X", "research X and make a note", "compile notes on X", "write a report on X",
-   "deep dive into X", "find everything about X", "comprehensive guide to X")
+  ("research X", "Research: X", "research X and make a note", "compile notes on X", "write a report on X",
+   "deep dive into X", "find everything about X", "comprehensive guide to X",
+   "research where to buy X", "research how to X", "research X and ship to me" — the topic
+   is everything after "Research:" or "research")
 - "ack": one short, natural sentence confirming the action (tool path only). Vary phrasing — do not always start with "Let me". Omit (null) for chat-only responses.
 - Do NOT wrap the JSON in markdown code fences."""
 
 
+_RESEARCH_PREFIX = re.compile(r"^[Rr]esearch:\s+(.+)", re.DOTALL)
+
+
 async def classify_intent(
     user_message: str,
     tools: list[dict],
@@ -127,6 +132,21 @@ async def classify_intent(
     if not tools:
         return IntentResult()
 
+    # Fast-path: "Research: <topic>" is the canonical format sent by the Research
+    # button in the UI. It always means research_topic — skip the LLM call entirely.
+    valid_names = {t.get("function", {}).get("name") for t in tools}
+    if "research_topic" in valid_names:
+        m = _RESEARCH_PREFIX.match(user_message.strip())
+        if m:
+            topic = m.group(1).strip()
+            logger.info("Intent fast-path: 'Research:' prefix → research_topic, topic='%s'", topic[:80])
+            return IntentResult(
+                tool_name="research_topic",
+                arguments={"topic": topic},
+                confidence="high",
+                ack=f"I'll research that and compile a comprehensive note.",
+            )
+
     tool_summary = _build_tool_summary(tools)
     today = date_type.today().isoformat()