The recent surge in artificial intelligence capabilities has resolved a number of long-standing mathematical conundrums, leading many mathematicians to rethink their future contributions in the field. Specialists argue that mathematics is crucial for fostering clear thought and greater insight. To assist mathematicians in transitioning to this AI-integrated era, organizations are funding workshops. Conversations continue to highlight that mathematics embodies processes as much as it does solutions.

Announcements over recent months that artificial intelligence models have cracked previously unsolvable problems are shaking to the core top-level mathematicians, who are now asking themselves: where do we come in? "All the avenues of research I had are now gone; we're facing a new day," Hugo Duminil-Copin, winner of the 2022 Fields Medal, one of the highest honours in mathematics, recently told his colleagues at the French Mathematical Society. Since April, AI firms have regularly been publishing solutions to previously unsolved mathematical problems as they seek to demonstrate the power of their latest models.

Last week OpenAI released solutions to 719 previously unsolved problems. The advances are forcing those in the field to wonder whether this spells the end of mathematical research. Thinking tool While acknowledging the emotional shock caused by the recent publications, Stephane Mallat, 2025 Gold Medal recipient from France's national scientific research centre (CNRS), told AFP there will always be a need for mathematicians. "Mathematics goes far beyond calculation: it's a way of thinking clearly," Mallat said. "Beyond all the problems we face with AI, maths will remain absolutely central because it's a tool that allows us humans to think clearly and understand things," he told AFP.

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