University of Chicago professor: In the AI era, hiring mathematicians will place greater emphasis on research vision and communication skills

University of Chicago mathematics professor Frank Calegari argues that, with AI now capable of generating proofs in bulk, hiring for math positions should rely more on in-person interviews than written materials. He believes a 30-minute conversation can distinguish candidates who produce low-quality work in bulk from those with clear research visions. Calegari advocates that review committees should not hire students based solely on a single paper or achievement and have a responsibility to cultivate graduate students' ability to express themselves mathematically. Previously, Cornell University professor Steven Strogatz also noted that mathematicians who can explain AI-generated results and propose new questions are more valued.