On the afternoon of March 19, 2026, the “Master Lecture Series” and “Liyuan Distinguished Scholars Lecture”—part of the 10th Mathematics Culture Month series organized by the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University—were successfully held. The event featured Professor Zhang Jiping, BoYa Chair Professor at Peking University and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as the keynote speaker. Under the theme “Mathematical Research in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” he delivered an engaging presentation on the cutting-edge intersections of AI and mathematics, attracting over 120 faculty members and students from the school to attend.
The lecture was chaired by Hu Yaohua, Vice Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University. Professor Wang Yuefei, Honorary Dean of the school, presented Academician Zhang Jiping with a commemorative plaque and posed for a group photo.
At the outset of the lecture, Academician Zhang Jiping noted that, amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence, how to deeply understand the dialectical relationship and pathways for synergy between “AI for Math” (artificial intelligence empowering mathematics) and “Math for AI” (mathematics supporting artificial intelligence) has become a cutting-edge topic of common concern for researchers in mathematics and interdisciplinary fields. He noted that in recent years, breakthroughs in AI technologies such as machine learning and large language models have not only provided unprecedented powerful tools for fundamental mathematical research but have also played a crucial role in solving several major mathematical problems. He highlighted Mr. Wu Wenjun’s outstanding contributions to the mechanization of mathematics, citing examples such as the verification of the classification theorem for finite simple groups, the proof of the Thompson conjecture, and partial breakthroughs in the Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomial combinatorial invariance conjecture—all of which were made possible by the deep integration of computer software and intelligent algorithms. Academician Zhang Jiping further noted that the impact of artificial intelligence on mathematical research is becoming increasingly profound and widespread. From traditional computer-aided research to the current research model of deep human-machine integration, artificial intelligence has significantly enhanced efficiency and expanded possibilities in core areas such as conjecture formulation, theorem proof, and counterexample construction. It has infused mathematical research with new computational intuition and expanded the frontiers of exploration. AI is systematically reshaping the logical framework of mathematical theorem proofs, profoundly transforming mathematicians’ research methods, and opening up entirely new possibilities for the development of mathematics.
Subsequently, Academician Zhang pointed out that, in the face of the transformative changes brought about by artificial intelligence, mathematics researchers should embrace this technological wave with enthusiasm but without blind optimism. They must proactively explore new pathways for AI-enabled mathematical research and actively engage in machine learning-assisted mathematical proofs, while also remaining true to the essence and original aspirations of mathematical research. They should maintain trust in mathematical intuition, rationally assess the limits of AI tool applications, and promote the sustained development of the discipline of mathematics through human-machine collaboration. Drawing on his own research and experience in mentoring students, he encouraged young scholars to seize the research opportunities of the AI era, strengthen their mathematical foundations, boldly pursue interdisciplinary innovation, and strive to become mathematical talents capable of meeting the demands of the new era.
The lecture combined theoretical depth with practical guidance, systematically outlining the developmental trajectory and future directions of mathematical research in the AI era. It not only broadened the academic horizons of faculty and students across the college but also deepened everyone’s understanding of the new opportunities and challenges that technological transformation brings to the discipline of mathematics. It is believed that in their future studies and research, faculty and students will be better equipped to grasp the trend of AI-mathematics integration, drive mathematical research with innovative thinking, and inject new vitality into the discipline’s development.
