OpenAI CEO: Mathematicians Increasingly Accept AI as Indispensable Research Tool

In October 2026, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman delivered a speech at Stanford University to hundreds of students, addressing the impact of AI on mathematical research. He said mathematicians have gone through stages similar to grieving as AI rapidly enters the field—starting with disbelief and pain, then anger, and finally acceptance.

Altman described how on the first day, the reaction was “we are finished, mathematics is over,” by the third day people accused OpenAI of going too far, and by the fifth day many began to accept that AI is becoming an indispensable tool for mathematical research and proof work, expecting their career paths to change but possibly for the better.

Altman expressed optimism about the future of mathematics and responded to concerns about AI’s impact on employment, saying he does not expect AI to cause a job catastrophe. His remarks contrast with concerns from some mathematicians. In September 2026, OpenAI announced that its AI model had tackled a famous problem related to the Navier–Stokes equations, drawing criticism from researchers who noted the absence of a proof process. A “Math Marathon” competition organized by Caltech students was also adjusted after scholars raised objections, and is planned for November 2026. Mathematician Terence Tao commented that the “romantic era” of mathematical research has ended.