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Justin Sun Prize Awards Recognize Advances in Erdős Problems Through AI Collaboration
The Office of Justin Sun has announced the latest recipients of the Justin Sun Prize, honoring independent researcher Wouter van Doorn, mathematics Ph.D. student Quanyu Tang, and researcher Yanyang Li from Southeast University in Nanjing. Their contributions span six Erdős problems, which are mathematical questions popularized by Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdős.
Wouter van Doorn, an independent number theorist, and Quanyu Tang, a Ph.D. student at the University of Science and Technology of China, collaborated with Yanyang Li to solve Erdős Problem #650. This problem involves determining how many integers can be matched to distinct multiples within a specified interval.
Van Doorn has also produced computer-checkable proofs for several other Erdős problems using Lean, a software for verifying mathematical reasoning. These include problems related to consecutive integers and their prime factors, as well as the properties of certain classes of numbers. Tang separately resolved Erdős Problem #1044, establishing limits for boundary lengths defined by polynomials, and contributed to the solution of Problem #1196.
Their work exemplifies the collaboration between human judgment and AI, with tools like ChatGPT aiding in proof strategy development and Aristotle, an AI reasoning system, helping to address gaps in formalization. Tang noted that the experience highlighted the importance of public feedback in refining research questions and demonstrated how AI can enhance mathematical discovery.
This round of awards marks the first confirmed recognitions by the Justin Sun Prize, which aims to support advances in mathematics and AI-assisted scientific discovery. The prizes will be awarded in USDT on TRON or USDC on Ethereum, depending on the recipients' preferences.
Latest Updates on the Justin Sun Prize Awards
Date: October 5, 2026
The Justin Sun Prize has awarded independent researcher Wouter van Doorn, mathematics Ph.D. student Quanyu Tang, and mathematics researcher Yanyang Li for their significant contributions to six Erdős problems.
Wouter van Doorn is recognized for his work in number theory, having started his research journey in 2010. Quanyu Tang is a Ph.D. student whose research intersects number theory, combinatorics, and AI-assisted mathematical discovery.
The team solved Erdős Problem #650, which involves matching integers to distinct multiples within a specified interval. Van Doorn also created computer-checkable proofs for several other Erdős problems using Lean software.
Quanyu Tang resolved Erdős Problem #1044 and contributed to the solution of #1196, demonstrating the collaborative potential of human and AI efforts in mathematical research.
The Justin Sun Prize emphasizes the importance of making mathematical proofs independently verifiable and aims to support advances in mathematics and AI-assisted scientific discovery.
FAQ
What is the Justin Sun Prize?
The Justin Sun Prize is an award that recognizes significant advances in mathematics and AI-assisted scientific discovery, aimed at supporting researchers and their contributions to the field.
Who were the latest recipients of the Justin Sun Prize?
The latest recipients are Wouter van Doorn, Quanyu Tang, and Yanyang Li, who made significant contributions to solving various Erdős problems.
What are Erdős problems?
Erdős problems are a set of mathematical questions popularized by Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdős, which often involve number theory and combinatorial mathematics.
How did AI contribute to the research of the prize recipients?
AI tools like ChatGPT and Aristotle were used to aid in proof strategy development and to address gaps in formalization, enhancing the research process and mathematical discovery.
In what form will the prizes be awarded?
The prizes will be awarded in USDT on TRON or USDC on Ethereum, depending on the preferences of the recipients.