Two Peking University Alumni Honored with Fields Medal at International Congress of Mathematicians

Celebrating Excellence in Mathematics: Peking University's Remarkable Achievement

On July 23, 2026, the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) was officially inaugurated in Philadelphia, drawing attention from mathematics communities globally. Among a host of achievements highlighted, the recognition of two alumnae from Peking University — Wang Hong and Deng Yu — stands out. Both received the prestigious Fields Medal during the event, solidifying their contributions to the field and marking a historic milestone for their alma mater. This occasion is particularly significant as it is the first time that two alumni from the same graduating class have received this esteemed award in the same year.

The Fields Medal, awarded every four years by the International Mathematical Union (IMU), recognizes outstanding mathematicians under the age of 40. The award is often regarded as the highest honor a mathematician can receive, and the announcement of Wang and Deng’s accolades has sparked pride within the Peking University community.

Wang Hong, who is now a professor at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES), has made a notable impact in mathematics through her collaboration with Joshua Zahl on the long-standing Kakeya conjecture in three dimensions. This problem sits at the fascinating intersection of analysis and geometry, with profound implications across various mathematical domains. Wang's achievement is especially noteworthy as she becomes not only the third woman to win the Fields Medal but also the first Chinese woman to attain this honor.

Deng Yu, on the other hand, has developed an impressive academic trajectory, starting from Peking University (PKU) in 2007 and continuing at prestigious institutions like MIT and Princeton. Currently a professor at the University of Chicago, Deng made significant strides in the sixth Hilbert problem, working on crucial connections between the dynamic behavior of microscopic particles and macroscopic fluid equations. Over a century ago, the legendary mathematician David Hilbert posed these challenges, and Deng's advances highlight the ongoing relevance of these mathematical inquiries.

Alongside these remarkable achievements, Peking University has set another record by having a total of 14 representatives, including ten alumni and four faculty members, participate as speakers at the ICM. This impressive representation underscores the university's commitment to contributing to mathematics at an international level. The success of Wang and Deng has not only highlighted their individual talents but also showcased the growing global influence of Peking University in the mathematics community.

As both individuals reflect on their paths leading to this prestigious recognition, they underscore the importance of continued dedication to academia and research, inspiring the next generation of mathematicians from their university. The accolade transcends mere personal achievement; it is a beacon of hope and ambition for current and future students at Peking University. With their accomplishments, Wang Hong and Deng Yu have indeed set a high standard, marking a transformative period in the history of their university and the field of mathematics as a whole.