Live from ICM 2026: What Is Math for in the Age of AI? (www.quantamagazine.org)

At the International Congress of Mathematicians 2026, a panel discussion highlighted the transformative impact of AI on the field of mathematics, where systems like AlphaProof and DeepThink are producing proofs and solving previously intractable problems. Mathematicians Akshay Venkatesh, Ravi Vakil, and Alex Kontorovich explored the implications of AI contributions, questioning how these developments redefine the essence of mathematical inquiry and creativity. The panel underscored a critical debate on whether the value of mathematics lies in the proofs themselves or the enriching journey of exploration that accompanies the problem-solving process. The conversation also addressed the potential challenges that arise from AI's ability to generate vast amounts of proofs, raising concerns about a potential oversaturation in mathematical literature and the subsequent strain on academic journals. Venkatesh expressed caution about the implications for the community as they navigate this abundance of questionable AI-generated content, while Kontorovich highlighted that despite these concerns, the integration of AI could herald a new golden age for mathematics, unveiling novel insights and methodologies. Together, they painted a picture of a field at a crossroads, where the future will rely on balancing the efficiency of AI with the human elements of storytelling and understanding inherent in mathematics.