Night of Ideas 2026: AI and Mathematics

Serious Topics

For the 2026 Nuit des idées, held under the theme “Paving the Way”, we are focusing more specifically on the angle “Science and technology as bearers of hope”, with a spotlight on mathematics. To do so, we have invited three international specialists – Sylvia Serfaty, Pierre Haas and Rudolf Zeidler – to address the following question: do the so-called “hard” sciences better withstand the invasion of AI? This question stems from an uncompromising observation: machine-based information processing spares no field, and mathematics – whether in education or research – is no exception. AI excels at calculations, data analysis and exploring research avenues; it even accelerates discoveries by identifying correlations that humans would probably take years to detect. Yet while it can suggest avenues, it does not understand the deeper meaning of concepts as a scientist would. For science also relies on intuition, creativity and critical thinking. Mathematics may even constitute a special case, in that proving something is not merely a matter of obtaining a result: it means constructing an intelligible proof based on profoundly human faculties. Together with our guests, we will seek to understand the extent to which AI is transforming scientific practice. The evening will be moderated by the eminent physicist and former rector of the University of Luxembourg, Rolf Tarrach.