Peking University Alumni Achieve Fields Medal Honors at 2026 ICM

Celebrating Academic Excellence at ICM 2026

On July 23, 2026, the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) officially commenced in Philadelphia, USA. This year's event is especially momentous for Peking University (PKU), as alumni Wang Hong and Deng Yu were awarded the esteemed Fields Medals, one of the highest honors in mathematics. Their achievements not only bring recognition to themselves but also mark a historic occasion for their alma mater, being the first time that two alumni from the same graduating class have received this honor in the same year.

The Fields Medal, awarded every four years by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) to mathematicians under the age of 40, acknowledges outstanding contributions and future potential in the field. Wang and Deng were among only four mathematicians honored this year, representing a significant milestone for PKU, given their noteworthy accomplishments.

Wang Hong's achievement carries particular significance as she became the third woman ever and the first Chinese woman to receive the Fields Medal. Her groundbreaking work, undertaken with fellow researcher Joshua Zahl, led to the resolution of the Kakeya conjecture in three dimensions—a complex problem that has stumped mathematicians for decades. This ambitious endeavor blends analysis and geometry, intertwining various mathematical domains with far-reaching implications. Currently, Wang serves as a professor at the Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies (IHES), continuing to push the boundaries of mathematical research.

Deng Yu's journey in mathematics began at PKU in 2007, followed by his undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a PhD from Princeton University. He is now a professor at the University of Chicago. In collaboration with Ma Xiao and Zaher Hani, Deng has made significant strides in addressing the sixth problem of Hilbert. Their research establishes a rigorous mathematic link between the behavior of microscopic particles and macroscopic kinetic and fluid equations—a challenge posed by the legendary mathematician David Hilbert over a century ago.

The significance of PKU in the global mathematics arena is evident in the number of its representatives at the ICM. With 14 researchers—10 alumni and 4 faculty members—invited to present at the congress, PKU continues to exemplify excellence in mathematics education and research. This gathering not only showcases the accomplishments of its alumni but also reinforces the university's status as a prominent institution that fosters enduring academic brilliance.

As the ICM unfolds, the contributions of Wang and Deng illustrate the profound impact that Peking University has made in the mathematical sciences. The achievements of these outstanding alumni serve as an inspiration for aspiring mathematicians globally, showcasing the transformative power of education and research. The legacy of their success will undoubtedly inspire future generations of scholars to explore the depths of mathematics and contribute to its vast and dynamic landscape.

In a nutshell, the success of Wang Hong and Deng Yu reinforces the notion that excellence in academia knows no bounds, and the journey from Peking University continues to yield unparalleled contributions to the world of mathematics. As we celebrate their achievements, we look forward to witnessing ongoing advancements that will arise from the minds nurtured in PKU’s scholarly environment.