AI is posing numerous challenges to the mathematics research sector.
AI is having an impact not just on classrooms, but also on the research culture that is the foundation of what educators teach.
The Leiden Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics, which has just been published by the international maths community and endorsed by the International Mathematical Union, states that the growing use of AI in mathematics brings opportunities and risks – and that the community needs to clarify its standards before those risks become normalised.
Verification delays
The declaration highlights how AI is already being used in mathematical research, including in the formalisation of proofs. This is important because students often learn mathematics as a disciplined process of reasoning, checking and justification. If AI tools can generate results faster than humans can verify them, the declaration warns that the field may face problems around reliability, transparency and the ability to trust outputs.
For maths teachers, this is a useful reminder to discuss with students whether AI can produce an answer, but also whether that answer can be explained.
Credit where it’s due
The declaration also raises concerns about attribution. When results are produced with the help of trained proprietary models, it may be unclear who deserves credit and how prior work should be cited.
There are also questions about how AI may affect publication practices and peer reviews, especially if automated tools begin to influence what gets submitted, reviewed and accepted.
In an educational setting, these are familiar challenges when it comes to academic integrity and responsible use of digital tools, as well as learning why being transparent is important.
Recommendations
The declaration sets out several practical recommendations for AI use, including the following.
- Individual researchers are asked to disclose when they’ve used AI, take responsibility for correctness and cite any prior work properly.
- Professional bodies and funders are encouraged to create policies for AI in publication and review, while maintaining standards of scrutiny.
- Policymakers are urged to consider regulation, public investment in infrastructure, and the role of expert advice when evaluating claims about AI systems.
This balanced approach may be especially relevant for educators, who need to prepare students to question everything in a future where AI is present.
References
- Leiden Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics. Available at: https://leidendeclaration.ai/ (Accessed 10th June 2026)
