diff --git a/src/deep_research/starter.rs b/src/deep_research/starter.rs
index adb4a61..809cf0d 100644
--- a/src/deep_research/starter.rs
+++ b/src/deep_research/starter.rs
@@ -44,8 +44,20 @@ pub(crate) async fn start() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
 async fn research(topic: &str) -> anyhow::Result<String> {
     let client = ollama::Client::new(Nothing)?;
 
+    let findings = gather_findings(&client, topic).await?;
+    let report = write_report(&client, topic, &findings).await?;
+
+    Ok(report)
+}
+
+/// Wraps the tool-calling research loop in its own span so it's visible as a
+/// single unit in traces, distinct from the writing phase and nesting rig's
+/// own per-turn `chat`/`execute_tool` spans underneath it.
+#[tracing::instrument(skip(client), fields(gen_ai.agent.name = "researcher"))]
+async fn gather_findings(client: &ollama::Client, topic: &str) -> anyhow::Result<String> {
     let researcher = client
         .agent(RESEARCHER_MODEL)
+        .name("researcher")
         .preamble(
             "You are a meticulous research assistant. Use the search_web and fetch_page tools to \
              investigate the user's topic: run several searches with varied phrasing, fetch the \
@@ -59,8 +71,6 @@ async fn research(topic: &str) -> anyhow::Result<String> {
         .tool(FetchPage)
         .build();
 
-    tracing::info!(topic, "starting research phase");
-
     let findings = researcher
         .runner(topic)
         .max_turns(MAX_RESEARCH_TURNS)
@@ -68,10 +78,16 @@ async fn research(topic: &str) -> anyhow::Result<String> {
         .await?
         .output;
 
-    tracing::info!(findings = %findings, "research phase complete, starting writing phase");
+    tracing::info!(findings = %findings, "research phase complete");
 
+    Ok(findings)
+}
+
+#[tracing::instrument(skip(client, findings), fields(gen_ai.agent.name = "writer"))]
+async fn write_report(client: &ollama::Client, topic: &str, findings: &str) -> anyhow::Result<String> {
     let writer = client
         .agent(WRITER_MODEL)
+        .name("writer")
         .preamble(
             "You turn raw research notes into a clear, well-organized report for the reader. \
              Structure the report with headings, cite source URLs inline next to the claims they \