Researchers Solved Erdős Problems With AI Tools
Three mathematicians received the Justin Sun Prize for resolving six problems from the historic Erdős catalog.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Mathematics
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Wouter van Doorn, Quanyu Tang, and Yanyang Li have been awarded the Justin Sun Prize for successfully solving six problems from the Erdős catalog. The researchers utilized a combination of human mathematical judgment and advanced AI tools to reach their proofs.
Why it matters
This achievement highlights the growing potential for AI-assisted scientific discovery and formal verification in complex mathematics. By integrating tools like ChatGPT and the Aristotle AI system, the researchers were able to navigate and resolve long-standing challenges.
The researchers successfully resolved six specific problems, with van Doorn producing computer-checkable Lean proofs for problems #369, #457, and #469. Tang and Li contributed solutions for problems #1044 and #1196, while ChatGPT helped develop the strategy for #650.
The players
Wouter van Doorn
He is a mathematician who has focused on formal proof verification since his undergraduate studies began in 2010.
Justin Sun
He is a tech entrepreneur and founder of the TRON blockchain who established a prize to support advances in mathematical research and AI.
Quanyu Tang
He is a researcher associated with Southeast University who contributed to the resolution of multiple Erdős problems.
Yanyang Li
He is a mathematician who collaborated on resolving complex problems within the Erdős catalog.
The details
The researchers employed diverse technological approaches, including the Aristotle AI system to repair gaps during the formalization of proofs in Lean. The project aims to drive forward the integration of formal verification with artificial intelligence to solve complex scientific questions.
Timeline
Wouter van Doorn began his mathematical research as an undergraduate in 2010.
The Office of Justin Sun announced the prize recipients on October 5, 2026.
The Big Picture
This development follows a pattern set by the long-standing effort to systematically resolve the more than 1200 problems listed in the Erdős catalog. By applying modern machine learning, these results show how digital tools are evolving from mere calculators to active research participants.
The integration of AI like the Aristotle system suggests a future where complex computational hurdles in engineering and science are overcome more rapidly. These methods could eventually lead to more robust software systems and faster breakthroughs in data-heavy fields.
The takeaway
This breakthrough demonstrates that human intuition combined with AI verification tools can successfully tackle long-standing academic challenges. Readers interested in research should monitor how AI continues to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical theory and verifiable computer proofs.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of logic and proofs, explore our section on Mathematics.
More information
Find complete details regarding the awards and winning research on the Justin Sun Prize information page.
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