Combining theory and code in algorithm search, with explicit correctness/originality gates, produces more scientifically sound discoveries than optimizing code alone.
CliffSearch is an AI system that discovers new scientific algorithms by evolving both theory and code together. Unlike systems that just generate code, it uses multiple AI agents to propose, test, and refine ideas while checking for correctness and originality—similar to how scientists actually work through hypothesis, implementation, testing, and revision cycles.