Academician: State AI policy necessitates review of mathematical sciences’ priorities and education

"Today, mastering probability theory, mathematical statistics, mathematical logic, higher algebra, and other mathematical methods is essential for gaining deep knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence. From this perspective, organizing roundtables and conducting scientific discussions with the participation of scientific and educational institutions, as well as relevant government agencies, regarding the education of AI and mathematics, alongside the training of highly qualified specialists in these areas, is of great significance," academician Rasim Alguliyev, Vice-President of ANAS and Director General of the Institute of Information Technology under the Ministry of Science and Education, said in a statement to AZERTAC.

The academician noted that in the modern era, AI technologies have become one of the main drivers of global development, and that revolutionary processes are taking place in the field of digitalization worldwide. He highlighted that consistent, systematic measures in this direction are being implemented in Azerbaijan and that President Ilham Aliyev has adopted important state programs, strategies, and other legal documents.

The scientist added that the establishment of the Digital Development Council under the chairmanship of the First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the relevant decree of the Head of State, is of strategic importance. He said the Council's primary objective is to accelerate digital transformation in the country, build a digital state infrastructure aligned with new AI-based architectural requirements, and ensure balanced development across all sectors of society.

According to the Vice-President of ANAS, one of the main goals of the state policy conducted in the field of digital development in the country is the formation of a scientifically grounded national data ecosystem. Noting that ensuring data sovereignty is one of the most critical challenges of our time, the academician emphasized the special importance of managing data collected across various activity sectors, such as healthcare, economy, transport, and others, based on unified principles and requirements, as well as establishing a corresponding data ecosystem.

Emphasizing that in the modern era, mathematics acts not only as a fundamental field of science, but also as the primary methodological base in artificial intelligence, information technology, economics, engineering, and other fields, the scholar noted that domains such as machine learning, deep learning, fuzzy mathematics, linear algebra, cryptography, and others rely on mathematical foundations. The scholar added that the widespread application of mathematical methods and approaches in the field of artificial intelligence is of great importance for the creation of national artificial intelligence models.

He stated that comprehensive measures aligned with modern challenges and the country's strategic interests have recently been implemented by the Ministry of Science and Education, with new university departments being established and relevant majors opened: "Along with this, there is currently a critical need in our country to form a more systematic approach to training highly qualified personnel in the field of artificial intelligence and to identify the priorities of mathematics related to artificial intelligence."

Emphasizing the importance of developing mathematical knowledge and thinking in integrating Azerbaijani science into world science, the scholar highlighted the necessity of making broader use of mathematical modeling in scientific research. He stated that it is expedient to teach a new course titled "Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence" in higher education institutions, ensure joint collaboration among scientists and specialists working in the fields of computer science and mathematics, and strengthen coordination in this direction.

The demands of the 21st century, global challenges, as well as the domestic and foreign policies implemented in our country regarding artificial intelligence, make it necessary to study international experience in this direction more deeply and to mobilize scientific potential," stated the academician, emphasizing that scientists, particularly mathematicians, play a crucial role in ensuring Azerbaijan's technological and digital sovereignty.