‘The job description is changing’: mathematician Terence Tao on the rise of AI

2026-04-27 · Source: Machine learning : nature.com subject feeds · Field: Science & Research — Mathematics & Computational Sciences, Research Methodology & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Terence Tao, a mathematician at the University of California, Los Angeles, is actively exploring the intersection of mathematics and generative artificial intelligence, including models like OpenAI's GPT, Anthropic's Claude, and Google's Gemini. He has contributed to the "Erdős Problems" project, which tests AI systems on over 1,000 mathematical problems. Recent media reports suggest AI is fundamentally changing mathematics, though many researchers believe its capabilities are often overstated. Tao, along with art historian Tanya Klowden, co-authored an essay for *The Blackwell Companion to the Philosophy of Mathematics*, advocating for a human-centric adoption of AI. Tao emphasizes that AI forces a re-evaluation of core mathematical concepts like proofs and the profession's purpose, noting that mathematics is uniquely suited for AI due to the verifiability of proofs, which mitigates AI's tendency for unverifiable mistakes.

Key takeaway

For AI Scientists and Research Scientists considering the impact of AI on their field, you should actively engage with AI tools to remain competitive and redefine your professional role. Embrace the changing landscape by integrating AI into your workflow for tasks like conjecture evaluation and instant feedback, rather than resisting its adoption, to ensure you shape the future of your discipline.

Key insights

AI is transforming mathematics by changing job descriptions and complementing human capabilities, necessitating a re-evaluation of the field's fundamentals.

Principles

• AI's verifiable output in mathematics limits its downsides.
• Human intellect is not the only valid perspective for intellectual tasks.

In practice

• Experiment with LLMs like GPT, Claude, or Gemini.
• Explore AI's utility in daily research workflows.

Topics

• Terence Tao
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mathematical Proofs
• Large Language Models
• Paul Erdős Problems

Best for: AI Scientist, Research Scientist, AI Student

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Machine learning : nature.com subject feeds.