Terence Tao: "Mathematics in the Age of AI" (ICM 2026)

The integration of artificial intelligence into mathematics necessitates a fundamental reevaluation of the profession's goals, moving beyond mere problem-solving to prioritize the communication, verification, and pedagogical utility of mathematical knowledge. While AI accelerates the generation of proofs, it currently lacks the capacity for deep exposition—the critical process of making complex results understandable and useful to the broader community. Mathematics is shifting from an era of scarcity, where solving problems was the primary objective, to an era of abundance, where the sheer volume of AI-generated proofs threatens to outpace human comprehension. To maintain the integrity and progress of the field, mathematicians must establish explicit standards for AI usage, ensuring that human-led education, mentorship, and the canonical organization of knowledge remain central to the discipline’s evolution.