Mathematicians Warn of AI Threats to Profession as Industry Encroaches

The mathematical community is sounding the alarm on the growing influence of the tech industry on their profession. A declaration developed by a working group of 16 researchers over eight months warns of the numerous challenges that artificial intelligence (AI) poses to mathematics research. This cautionary statement comes on the heels of OpenAI's recent announcement that one of its AI models had successfully disproved an 80-year-old mathematical conjecture in geometry.

The Leiden Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics, published on June 2, 2026, has been endorsed by the International Mathematical Union, a non-governmental organization that oversees conferences and prestigious prizes in mathematics, including the Fields Medal. The declaration is a response to the increasing involvement of tech companies in mathematical research, a trend that has raised concerns among mathematicians. Mathematicians should find it quite striking that tech companies are suddenly interested in their work.

That's according to Kevin Buzzard, a mathematician at Imperial College London. The Leiden Declaration is a well-thought-through response to what is currently happening, as AI continues to disrupt this space, Buzzard said in a statement. The declaration's release comes two weeks after OpenAI's announcement, highlighting the rapid advancements in AI and its growing impact on mathematics.

The development of the Leiden Declaration began at a conference held at Leiden University in the Netherlands in September 2025. The working group behind the declaration aims to address the challenges posed by AI and ensure that mathematicians are equipped to navigate this changing landscape. As AI continues to make inroads into mathematics research, the mathematical community is taking a proactive approach to addressing the implications of this technological shift.

The Leiden Declaration is a significant step towards acknowledging the intersection of AI and mathematics and the need for careful consideration of the opportunities and challenges presented by this convergence. As mathematicians and technologists continue to collaborate, the mathematical community is working to ensure that the integrity and rigor of mathematical research are maintained in the face of rapid technological advancements.