Peking University Alumni Shine at 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians

The 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) commenced in Philadelphia, USA, on the morning of July 23, with remarkable news from Peking University (PKU). Two of its distinguished alumni, Wang Hong and Deng Yu, received the Fields Medals, one of the highest accolades in the field of mathematics. Their achievements not only highlight individual excellence but also mark a historic moment for PKU, as they are the first alumni from the same graduating class in 2007 to win this prestigious award in the same year.

Celebrating the Fields Medals

The Fields Medal, awarded by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) every four years, honors mathematicians under the age of 40 for their outstanding contributions and future potential. Wang and Deng were among only four individuals honored this year, which amplifies the significance of their accomplishments.

Wang's achievement is particularly noteworthy as she becomes only the third woman in history and the first Chinese woman to be awarded the Fields Medal. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture, a complex problem at the crossroads of analysis and geometry that has stumped mathematicians for many years. Currently, Wang serves as a tenured professor at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES) in France, where her work continues to influence the next generation of mathematicians.

On the other hand, Deng has a fascinating academic journey that reflects the diverse paths available to aspiring mathematicians. He began his studies at PKU in 2007, later completed his undergraduate education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University. Now a professor at the University of Chicago, Deng is recognized for his fundamental work on Hilbert's sixth problem, where he collaborated with colleagues Ma Xiao and Zaher Hani to connect microscopic particle dynamics to macroscopic kinetic and fluid equations. This research has bridged gaps long established by mathematician David Hilbert more than a century ago.

A Record Number of PKU Contributions

Beyond the accolades received by Wang and Deng, PKU made headlines for having a record number of its scholars—ten alumni and four faculty members—invited to speak at the ICM. This speaks volumes about the university's growing influence and presence in the international mathematics community.

Both Wang and Deng represent the depth of talent that PKU fosters and exhibit the university's commitment to nurturing promising mathematicians. Their stories inspire many within PKU and beyond, encouraging a new wave of mathematicians to pursue innovative solutions to the world's most pressing mathematical challenges.

The recognition of these two alumni shines a light not only on their personal achievements but also illustrates the incredible growth and potential of the mathematics department at Peking University. As they continue their respective journeys, both Wang and Deng signify the bright future awaiting the next generation of mathematicians, particularly those emerging from PKU's extensive intellectual environment.

As the math community celebrates their success, it eagerly anticipates further advancements and discoveries that alumni like Wang and Deng will continue to deliver in the field.