Peking University Alumni Shine at ICM 2026 with Fields Medal Recognition

On July 23, 2026, the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) opened its doors in Philadelphia, USA, marking a significant event in the mathematical community. Among the achievements highlighted at this prestigious gathering, two graduates of Peking University (PKU) made history by being awarded the Fields Medal, one of mathematics' highest honors. Wang Hong and Deng Yu, both part of PKU's Class of 2007, were the recipients of this coveted award, showcasing the university's growing influence in the global mathematics landscape.

The announcement of the medalists was made by the International Mathematical Union (IMU), which awards the Fields Medal every four years to mathematicians under 40, recognizing their outstanding contributions and potential for future innovation. Wang and Deng were among only four esteemed mathematicians to receive this accolade in 2026, underscoring their exceptional work and dedication to the field.

This recognition is particularly special for Peking University, as it's the first time that two graduates from the same class have been honored with the Fields Medal in the same year. Not only does this highlight the individual successes of Wang and Deng, but it also emphasizes the strength of PKU's mathematics program and its positive impact on the education of future mathematicians.

Wang Hong, who has garnered much admiration in the mathematical community, is celebrated for being the third woman ever to receive the Fields Medal and the first Chinese woman to achieve this milestone. Her significant contributions include collaborative work with Joshua Zahl on the Kakeya conjecture in three-dimensional space, a long-standing problem that bridges analysis and geometry and has stumped mathematicians for decades. Currently, she serves as a tenured professor at the Institute des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES), further establishing her authority in the field.

Deng Yu, also a notable alum of PKU, has a remarkable academic journey. After commencing his studies at PKU's School of Mathematical Sciences in 2007, he went on to an illustrious career, earning his Ph.D. from Princeton University before becoming a respected professor at the University of Chicago. His groundbreaking research with collaborators Ma Xiao and Zaher Hani on the sixth problem of Hilbert has made waves in mathematical circles. Their study rigorously established a mathematical pathway linking the dynamics of microscopic particles to macroscopic kinetic and fluid equations, addressing a challenge posed by the legendary mathematician David Hilbert over a century ago.

Although Wang and Deng have ventured down different paths in mathematics, their journeys began in the same academic environment at PKU, highlighting the institution's role in fostering top-tier talent. In addition to Wang and Deng's recognition, Peking University also broke records at ICM 2026 by having 14 graduates, including faculty members, invited to speak at the conference, marking another testament to its growing global footprint in mathematics.

Through their achievements and contributions, Wang and Deng exemplify the excellence that Peking University instills in its students. Their successes not only inspire current and future generations of mathematicians but also solidify PKU's reputation as a leading institution for mathematical study and research, contributing to the global conversation in this vital field of study.