{
  "id": 93728,
  "title": "Why winner of biggest prize in maths has decided to work on AI instead",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/why-winner-of-biggest-prize-in-maths-has-decided-to-work-on-ai-instead",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-03T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Scientist",
    "slug": "new-scientist",
    "url": "https://www.newscientist.com/article/2582780-why-winner-of-biggest-prize-in-maths-has-decided-to-work-on-ai-instead/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Jacob Tsimerman won a Fields medal last month – now he is leaving mathematics to work on AI safety",
  "key_points": [
    "Jacob Tsimerman won the Fields Medal, often called the Nobel Prize of mathematics.",
    "Tsimerman shifted focus from mathematics to AI safety at OpenAI.",
    "He co-authored a paper on AI risks, including potential human extinction scenarios."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Winning the Fields Medal has not secured Jacob Tsimerman's legacy in mathematics, but rather galvanized his urgency to apply his expertise to mitigating the risks of AI, a technology rapidly transforming his former field.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}