At the 2024 Greater Bay Area Science Forum, Efim Zelmanov, a Fields Medalist and a chair professor from the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), shared his insights in an exclusive interview with Yangcheng Evening News. He candidly acknowledged that even mathematicians find math difficult. He also emphasized that the mathematical aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) are still in their infancy, presenting ample opportunities for further research. Additionally, he highlighted Guangdong's leadership in economic and technological development, advocating for the establishment of top-tier universities to match its progress.

When asked about advice for children struggling with mathematics, Zelmanov responded with a warm smile, saying, "Math is indeed hard. Even mathematicians find it hard." However, he added, "When you think through a math problem, understand it, and solve it, you experience immense intellectual satisfaction."

He encouraged children to focus on problem-solving rather than rote memorization of formulas, which he described as both unnecessary and uninteresting.

Zelmanov received the Fields Medal, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics," in 1994. In 2019, he joined SUSTech as the director of the International Center for Mathematics and has been a full-time chair professor there since July 2022.

Explaining his decision to move to Shenzhen, Zelmanov noted that he was drawn by China's long-standing tradition of respecting teachers and education. He praised Shenzhen's supportive social and governmental environment, particularly its focus on science and math education, which he believes holds great promise for the city's educational prospects.

Additionally, he highlighted Guangdong's leadership in economic and technological development, advocating for the establishment of top-tier universities to match its progress.

Explaining his decision to join SUSTech, Zelmanov stated that he believed he could play a more active role there. "Although SUSTech is less than 15 years old, I believe I can achieve remarkable things here."

On the popular topic of AI, Zelmanov took an open-minded stance: "The mathematical aspects of AI are still in their early stages, leaving significant room for mathematicians to contribute. From this perspective, mathematicians won't run out of work."

Source: Lingnan on the Cloud

菲尔茨奖获得者埃菲·杰曼诺夫：即使是数学家也觉得数学很难！

在2024大湾区科学论坛上，菲尔茨奖获得者、南方科技大学讲席教授埃菲·杰曼诺夫接受羊城晚报记者专访时表示，即使是数学家也觉得数学很难。他指出，人工智能中的数学方面如今仍处于起步阶段，数学家在其中还有很多研究可做。同时，广东的经济和科技发展处于领先地位，高等教育方面应该建设出与之匹配的顶尖大学。

对于羊城晚报记者问到“对于那些学数学很困难的孩子，您有什么想对他们说的吗？”这一问题，埃菲·杰曼诺夫会心一笑。他说：“数学确实很难。即使是数学家也觉得很难。”但同时，“当你思考数学问题，理解它并解决它之后，你会获得一种巨大的智力上的满足感”。

他建议孩子们学数学不要硬背公式，因为那很无趣也没有必要，“要学会解决问题”。

1994年，杰曼诺夫获得有“数学界诺贝尔奖”之称的菲尔茨奖。2019年，他来到南方科技大学担任杰曼诺夫数学中心主任，并于2022年7月起，全职加盟南方科技大学任讲席教授。

提到来深圳的原因，杰曼诺夫表示，在深圳，他感受到中国自古以来尊师重道的传统。深圳的社会氛围以及各级政府，都对科学教育特别是数学教育十分重视，这让他感觉到深圳未来的教育十分有前景。

同时，他认为，广东的经济和科技发展处于领先地位，高等教育方面应该建设出与之匹配的顶尖大学。

他来到南方科技大学，是因为相信自己能发挥更积极的作用，“虽然南科大建校不满十五年，但我认为我可以在这里做些了不起的事”。

对于热门的AI话题，杰曼诺夫表达了开放的态度。“人工智能中的数学方面如今仍处于起步阶段，数学家在其中还有很多研究可做。从这个角度来说，数学家不会失业。”

文、图、视频 | 记者 付怡 温泽广
译 | 邹晓华
英文审校 | 赵凡