‘Slop Mathematics’: OpenAI Walks Away from a Caltech AI Maths Contest
OpenAI has withdrawn its $1m sponsorship from a student-run AI mathematics event at Caltech, following an open letter signed by 771 mathematicians. The letter, which called the event format "slop mathematics," argued that AI companies’ practices amount to research misconduct as mathematicians are left to verify, spread, and correct results without recognition or compensation.
September 14, 2026
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The withdrawal comes after two days of intense back-and-forth within the mathematical community. On the first day, the open letter was published, followed by a separate declaration from 25 Fields Medallists the next day.
These responses highlight the community’s growing concern over AI companies’ handling of mathematical research outcomes. While the initial letter focused on the format and potential misconduct, the second letter from the Fields Medallists delved deeper into the conceptual understanding and insight that mathematics is about, warning that the rapid mass production of true or false statements could be detrimental.
Key Takeaways:
- OpenAI has pulled its sponsorship, citing the letter’s concerns.
- Anthropic, another AI company, remains involved in the event.
- The open letter was signed by 771 mathematicians, and the Fields Medallists’ declaration followed shortly after.
- Both letters express deep unease about AI’s role in mathematics research.