Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
First Proof: Mathematicians Putting AI to the Test
Featuring Manjul Bhargava, Alex Kontorovich, Dan Spielman,
Lauren Williams, and Mohammed Abouzaid
What happens when artificial intelligence attempts to do real mathematics?
Join MacArthur Fellows Dan Spielman and Lauren Williams and renowned mathematicians Mohammed Abouzaid and Alex Kontorovich for a dynamic public conversation about First Proof, their new initiative designed to evaluate whether AI systems can genuinely engage in research-level mathematics. Moving beyond routine problem-solving, First Proof investigates whether today’s most advanced AI models can contribute to authentic mathematical discovery.
Moderated by MoMath President and Fields Medalist Manjul Bhargava, the discussion explores how mathematicians and computer scientists are assessing both the promise and the limitations of AI. What distinguishes creative mathematical insight from computation? Can machines meaningfully participate in the deeply human process of discovery? And what might this mean for the future of research?
Hosted on Pi Day — an annual celebration of the mathematical constant 3.14 — this special event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from leading thinkers at the forefront of mathematics and artificial intelligence.
Thanks to the generosity of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, this video is available to all; please feel free to share broadly.
First Proof: Mathematicians Putting AI to the Test
Featuring Manjul Bhargava, Alex Kontorovich, Dan Spielman,
Lauren Williams, and Mohammed Abouzaid
What happens when artificial intelligence attempts to do real mathematics?
Join MacArthur Fellows Dan Spielman and Lauren Williams and renowned mathematicians Mohammed Abouzaid and Alex Kontorovich for a dynamic public conversation about First Proof, their new initiative designed to evaluate whether AI systems can genuinely engage in research-level mathematics. Moving beyond routine problem-solving, First Proof investigates whether today’s most advanced AI models can contribute to authentic mathematical discovery.
Moderated by MoMath President and Fields Medalist Manjul Bhargava, the discussion explores how mathematicians and computer scientists are assessing both the promise and the limitations of AI. What distinguishes creative mathematical insight from computation? Can machines meaningfully participate in the deeply human process of discovery? And what might this mean for the future of research?
Hosted on Pi Day — an annual celebration of the mathematical constant 3.14 — this special event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from leading thinkers at the forefront of mathematics and artificial intelligence.
Thanks to the generosity of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, this video is available to all; please feel free to share broadly.
