AI Is Changing Math Research, and Hiring May Need to Change Too

AI is making it easier to score breakthroughs in math research, and academia may need to rethink how it hires people.

Frank Calegari, a math professor at the University of Chicago, wrote that AI tools could let some students fill junior research roles by mass-producing proofs. He believes hiring should rely more on face-to-face talks to spot who has a clear research vision and can express it well. His article was posted on mathematician Terence Tao's blog.

Steven Strogatz, a Cornell professor, also said mathematicians who can explain AI results and raise new questions are now more valued. OpenAI has already rolled out hundreds of solutions to tough math problems.

Some US professors have stopped using AI, while most are trying to work it into their research. Students are asking schools to make clear rules on AI use.