Terence Tao Says AI Is Slashing the Cost of Exploring Unconventional Research Paths

Fields Medalist Terence Tao said the high cost of computation, simulation and literature searches often pushes researchers in mathematics and theoretical physics toward safer lines of inquiry. By handling such routine work quickly, generative AI can lower the barrier to testing ideas and make high-risk, unconventional directions more worthwhile to pursue.

Tao recently shared his experience of using AI in research, saying it had made him more willing to pursue “crazy” ideas. AI can handle routine calculations, run simulations and scan the literature, shortening the time needed for initial exploration. However, he still regards it as a “useful assistant” rather than a research peer. Human researchers remain responsible for the final reasoning, verification and results.