OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes artificial intelligence is on the verge of making a breakthrough that could transform science—possibly within just two years.
Others are reading now
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes artificial intelligence is on the verge of making a breakthrough that could transform science—possibly within just two years.
Altman sees a new phase of AI

According to Altman, the era of experimental AI is ending, and we’re entering a stage where the technology is becoming a practical tool capable of meaningful impact.
Scientific discovery may be next

In a recent interview, Altman said he expects AI to make a “major scientific discovery” within two years, citing the rapid evolution of its learning and reasoning abilities.
Inspired by engaged users

Altman highlighted the creativity of the top 5% of ChatGPT users, calling them a key indicator of what AI can achieve when pushed to its full potential.
AI as a thinking partner

“There are people who use ChatGPT to stop thinking, and others who use it to think bigger than ever,” Altman said, adding that AI can expand how humans approach problems.
Software creation unlocks new potential

Also read
Altman pointed to AI’s ability to write code and automate complex tasks as one of its most transformative features—enabling users to realize ideas in entirely new ways.
GPT-5 as a universal tool

“With GPT-5, you can ask it to do almost anything,” Altman said, suggesting that future models will be capable of even more advanced scientific and technical work.
One major leap still needed

Despite the progress, Altman says AI still lacks a critical “conceptual framework” to unlock full scientific potential, calling for one more major breakthrough in model design.
Cognitive maturity remains the goal

Achieving more advanced cognitive capabilities in AI, he says, is the final piece needed to transition from productivity tools to discovery engines.
Cautious optimism from OpenAI

Altman expressed confidence in the direction AI development is heading, but acknowledged that the next leap will require significant effort and innovation.
A transformative tool for research

Also read
AI’s ability to process data, identify patterns, and propose hypotheses could eventually make it an indispensable tool in scientific exploration.
The countdown to discovery

With AI advancing rapidly, researchers and technologists are watching closely to see whether Altman’s prediction of a groundbreaking discovery by 2027 becomes reality.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation