Maths, physics and computer science still important in AI era, says DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis

DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis (Image Credit: Reuters)

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, students must not lose sight of traditional STEM education, urged Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind and Nobel laureate. Speaking at SXSW London on Monday, Hassabis emphasized the enduring importance of mastering subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science to truly grasp how AI systems function.

“It’s still important to understand the fundamentals,” he said, adding that these core disciplines remain the bedrock for comprehending and developing AI technologies. Even as the global job market evolves with the rapid advancement of AI, Hassabis advised students to harness modern tools while maintaining a strong foundation in STEM.

Looking ahead, Hassabis projected that AI would create “new, very valuable jobs” within the next five to ten years, especially for those who are technically proficient and at the forefront of utilizing these tools. Comparing AI’s societal impact to the Industrial Revolution, he expressed confidence in humanity’s ability to adapt, despite widespread concerns over automation-driven job losses.

Beyond academic learning, Hassabis also highlighted the value of hands-on experience. He encouraged students and professionals alike to actively engage with cutting-edge AI systems, experiment with their capabilities, and explore innovative applications. “Children growing up today will become ‘AI native,’ much like previous generations adapted to the internet,” he noted.

Major tech firms, including Google, Meta, and Microsoft, are already integrating AI into software development and other technical roles, underscoring the need for a workforce fluent in these tools.

Hassabis also reiterated comments made alongside Google cofounder Sergey Brin at the recent Google I/O conference, suggesting that artificial general intelligence (AGI), AI with human-level capabilities, could arrive as soon as 2030. That prospect, he said, should motivate today’s learners to prepare for a future where AI is not just a tool, but a defining feature of the workplace.

Despite companies increasingly automating certain functions, Hassabis believes those who understand how to collaborate with AI will have a competitive edge. “This technology will eventually supercharge workers who know how to apply it,” he concluded.