From August 18-21, the RIKEN Mathematics & AI Symposium 2026 was held at the RIKEN Tokyo Campus. Under the theme of “Mathematics and AI: Mathematical Sciences and Formal Reasoning,” the symposium brought together leading researchers from Japan and abroad who are at the forefront of scientific discovery through mathematics, formal reasoning, and AI, with the aim of discussing the relationship between mathematics and AI from multiple perspectives. Approximately 300 participants from Japan and overseas attended, both in person and online.
In recent years, AI has rapidly evolved from a mere tool for computation and analysis into a technology directly involved in scientific research itself, including hypothesis generation, problem discovery, and proof and verification. In response to these advances, RIKEN has been promoting an institute-wide AI for Science initiative since 2022.
In his opening remarks on August 19, President Gonokami expressed the view that AI is transforming the very nature of scientific research—the process of generating scientific knowledge—and that the “basic operating system” of scientific research is being rewritten.
He spoke about the importance of AI for Math and Math for AI, and expressed his hope that now, having gained AI as a powerful partner, we can expand the circle of shared “joy of discovery” and further push the boundaries of human knowledge.
President Gonokami delivering the opening remarks
Message from President Gonokami in his Opening Remarks (English/Japanese)
The symposium featured lectures by researchers from Japan and abroad, as well as panel sessions, tutorials, and poster sessions, bringing together researchers from diverse fields such as mathematics, AI, and formal reasoning. Lively discussions took place on a wide range of topics surrounding mathematics and AI, including the use of AI to solve mathematical problems and make new discoveries; the use of mathematical theory to improve the understanding and reliability of AI; formalization and proof; and autonomous scientific discovery. The symposium provided an opportunity for researchers from Japan and abroad to discuss the potential for new scientific discoveries through the convergence of mathematics and AI, and to deepen exchanges aimed at future research collaboration.
Building on the exchanges with researchers from Japan and abroad fostered through this symposium, RIKEN plans to continue carrying out research in AI for Science, including AI for Math, while further deepening international research collaboration to pioneer new possibilities for scientific discovery through AI.
Group Photo