Peking University Mathematicians Shine at 2026 ICM with Fields Medals

The 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM), which commenced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 23, marked a historic moment for Peking University (PKU). Two distinguished alumni, Wang Hong and Deng Yu, were awarded the prestigious Fields Medals, a recognized testament to exceptional contributions in mathematics. This recognition is particularly remarkable as it's the first time two medalists from the same PKU cohort—2007—have triumphed in the same year.

The Fields Medal, awarded by the International Mathematical Union (IMU), is presented every four years to mathematicians under 40, celebrating their achievements and promising future contributions. Wang and Deng were among just four mathematicians honored at this year’s ceremony, further emphasizing the high caliber of their work.

Wang Hong’s achievement is especially significant as she becomes only the third woman ever to receive the Fields Medal and the first woman from China to earn this distinction. She is renowned for her collaborative work with Joshua Zahl on resolving the long-standing three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture, a complex problem at the convergence of analysis and geometry that has resisted solutions for decades. The ramifications of this conjecture echo through various mathematical disciplines, showcasing the far-reaching impact of her findings. Currently, she holds a tenured professorship at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES) in France.

On the other hand, Deng Yu has carved out his path through intense dedication and groundbreaking research. After beginning his studies at PKU in the School of Mathematical Sciences in 2007, he continued at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before obtaining his PhD from Princeton University. Presently, he is a professor at the University of Chicago. Deng's research, in collaboration with Ma Xiao and Zaher Hani, achieved a pivotal breakthrough addressed in Hilbert's sixth problem. His work created a solid mathematical framework connecting the dynamics of microscopic particles to macroscopic kinetic and fluid behaviors, answering a challenge posed over a century ago by the famed mathematician David Hilbert.

In addition to the significant accolades for Wong and Deng, Peking University set records with its contributions to the conference. This year, ten alumni and four faculty members were invited to speak, reflecting the institution's burgeoning reputation and influence in the global mathematical community. The participation of these scholars at the ICM points to the increasing international prominence of PKU mathematicians, contributing to various fields of study and promoting education in mathematics.

The paths of these two distinguished mathematicians, while distinctly different, began in the same cohort at PKU, highlighting the diverse avenues through which mathematical excellence can flourish. The honors bestowed upon Wang and Deng not only recognize their individual accomplishments but also reflect the supportive environment cultivated at Peking University, fostering innovation and scholarship.

As the ICM unfolds, with its focus on mathematical dialogue and networking among the world’s leading mathematicians, the accolades received by Wang and Deng serve as a beacon of inspiration for current and future students at Peking University, encouraging them to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors.

In summary, the achievements of PKU alumni Wang Hong and Deng Yu at the 2026 ICM not only celebrate their significant contributions to mathematics but also represent a milestone in the university's commitment to fostering a vibrant mathematical community, promising further advancements in the field for years to come.