What exactly is the FrontierMath benchmark?

Key context: OpenAI commissioned Epoch AI to develop FrontierMath, a benchmark of 300 advanced mathematics problems designed to evaluate the capabilities of cutting-edge AI models.

Core details of the partnership: The collaboration between OpenAI and Epoch AI involves specific terms regarding ownership and access to the benchmark materials.

• OpenAI maintains ownership of all 300 problems and has access to most solutions, except for a 50-question holdout set
• While Epoch AI can evaluate any AI models using FrontierMath, they cannot share problems or solutions without OpenAI’s explicit permission
• A special 50-problem set is being finalized where OpenAI will receive only problem statements, not solutions, enabling independent testing

Transparency concerns: Epoch AI acknowledges communication gaps in disclosing the nature of their relationship with OpenAI.

• Contributors were not systematically informed about OpenAI’s sponsorship
• The organization needed and received OpenAI’s permission before publicly announcing the partnership
• Initial announcements failed to clearly explain data access and ownership arrangements

Corrective actions: Epoch AI has outlined steps to improve transparency and communication moving forward.

• Individual outreach to contributing mathematicians to address concerns
• Implementation of clear disclosure practices regarding industry sponsorship
• Commitment to providing comprehensive information about funding and data access to future contributors
• Proactive public disclosure of benchmark sponsorship arrangements

Future developments: OpenAI has commissioned Epoch AI to expand FrontierMath with more challenging mathematics problems, with enhanced transparency measures in place.

Examining implications: The FrontierMath situation highlights the complex dynamics between industry funding and independent AI evaluation, raising important questions about transparency in AI benchmarking and the balance between commercial interests and academic integrity.