Why winner of biggest prize in maths has decided to work on AI instead

Jacob Tsimerman, a mathematician who recently won the prestigious Fields Medal, has decided to shift his focus from mathematics to artificial intelligence (AI). Tsimerman, a professor at the University of Toronto in Canada, is one of only 68 individuals to ever win the Fields Medal, a prize often referred to as the Nobel Prize of mathematics.

The award is given every four years to mathematicians under 40 years old, effectively anointing the next generation of leaders in the field. Despite the rapid advancement of AI in solving open problems in mathematics and the potential risks it poses, Tsimerman acknowledges the high stakes and believes that now is the time to engage with AI technology.

He currently works for OpenAI, an AI research lab, and is working on AI safety. Tsimerman has observed how AI can resolve mathematical problems he previously considered working on and is concerned about the risks associated with AI, such as the potential for humans to lose control or even die due to AI. He co-authored a paper exploring scenarios where AI use could lead to "omnicide" or human extinction, including unintentional and intentional cases, as well as nation-state AI-driven conflicts.

Tsimerman believes that exploring these ideas can motivate more detailed and effective countermeasures to prevent such outcomes. He emphasizes the need for rigorous verification processes and testing of AI capabilities in a controlled, scientific manner. Tsimerman's unique perspective as a mathematician brings new ideas to the field of AI safety, and he advocates for the implementation of such tests to be administered by governmental and international committees.