What does a legendary computer scientist think about AI’s rise? At the 2025 International Congress of Basic Science in Beijing, Turing Award winner Robert Tarjan sat down with Leaders Talk to unpack the big questions shaping tech’s next chapter. 🌐
From Stargazing to Algorithm Revolution
Tarjan, who received the Basic Science Lifetime Award, traced his journey from a kid obsessed with astronomy puzzles to revolutionizing data structures. 🚀 "Curiosity is the engine," he said, laughing. "I just followed what fascinated me—even if others thought it was ‘useless’ at the time."
AI: Tool, Not Tyrant
While praising AI’s potential, Tarjan warned against treating it as a "magic box." 🔮 "Algorithms amplify human creativity—they don’t replace it. The real danger? Forgetting that innovation starts with understanding fundamentals." He stressed interdisciplinary collaboration, joking: "Even AI needs philosophers!"
Basic Science: The Ultimate Cheat Code
Tarjan championed curiosity-driven research as critical for progress. 💡 "Today’s ‘impractical’ math could be tomorrow’s AI breakthrough. China’s investment in basic science? That’s how you build a future." His advice to young scientists? "Embrace the messy, unanswered questions. That’s where the fun begins."
