I’ll write romance novels if AI solves all maths, Chinese Fields winner jokes
Deng Yu, a 37-year-old Chinese mathematician and 2026 Fields Medal winner, recently joked on social media that he would write yuri novels if AI advanced enough to solve all mathematical problems. Deng, a known fan of the Japanese genre depicting romantic relationships between women, later clarified to the South China Morning Post that his statement was made in jest. He expressed skepticism that AI could reach such a level of problem-solving. Deng also noted that AI has created an "atmosphere of restlessness and impatience" within mathematical circles, suggesting the field will adapt as a new ecosystem emerges over the next year or two.
The comment from Fields Medal winner Deng Yu, while humorous, reflects a genuine undercurrent of anxiety within the mathematics community in Asia regarding AI's rapid advancements. His observation about an "atmosphere of restlessness and impatience" is a direct read on how leading minds perceive the technology's trajectory. This isn't just about job security; it points to a broader shift in how fundamental research might be conducted and valued in the coming years. For Asia's tech sector, this sentiment among top researchers like Deng Yu suggests a need for clear strategies on AI integration in scientific fields. The focus should be on collaboration between human experts and AI, rather than displacement. The next year or two will be crucial in defining this new "ecosystem" Deng mentions, particularly for institutions and companies investing in advanced AI research across China and other Asian hubs.
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