Peking University Alumni Shine at ICM 2026 with Two Fields Medals

The International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) 2026 kicked off on July 23 in Philadelphia, USA, marking a significant event in the world of mathematics. This year, Peking University (PKU) celebrated a remarkable achievement as two of its alumni, Hong Wang and Yu Deng, were awarded the prestigious Fields Medals, one of the highest honors in the field of mathematics. This recognition is not only a personal achievement for the two but also a historic milestone for PKU.

The announcement of the awards was made by the International Mathematical Union (IMU), which honors mathematicians under the age of 40 for their exceptional contributions to the field. Wang and Deng are among only four recipients of the medal this year. Their accomplishments are particularly impressive as they graduated from the same class, 2007, highlighting PKU's growing reputation in the global mathematics community.

Wang's achievement is especially noteworthy as she became only the third woman in history to receive the Fields Medal and the first Chinese woman to be honored in this way. Her outstanding contributions include solving the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture in collaboration with Joshua Zahl. This long-standing problem, intertwined with analysis and geometry, has challenged mathematicians for decades due to its implications across various fields of mathematics. Currently, Wang is a professor at the Institute des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES).

On the other hand, Deng, who began his journey at PKU in 2007, went on to pursue further studies at MIT and earned his PhD from Princeton University. He is currently a professor at the University of Chicago, where he achieved significant breakthroughs in resolving Hilbert's sixth problem, in partnership with Ma Xiaom and Zaher Hani. Their research has provided a rigorous mathematical framework connecting the dynamics of microscopic particles to macroscopic kinetic equations and fluid mechanics, addressing a challenge posed by the legendary mathematician David Hilbert more than a century ago.

The gathering at ICM 2026 is not only special for Wang and Deng but also marks a notable increase in PKU’s representation. Alongside the two medalists, the university had a record total of fourteen alumni, including ten graduates and four faculty members, invited to the congress. This level of participation underscores the university's expanding influence and success in the mathematical sciences.

Wang's and Deng's paths to mathematics may have differed, yet they both began their journeys during the same academic year at PKU. Their recognition underlines the increasing international presence of mathematicians from PKU in the global academic landscape. As they continue to excel and push the boundaries of mathematical knowledge, their achievements inspire future generations of mathematicians worldwide.

Wang Hong and Deng Yu at ICM 2026

In summary, the 2026 ICM serves as a testament to the excellence and global stature of Peking University. Through the accolades received by its alumni, PKU continues to elevate its profile in the world of mathematics, fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation that promises to yield remarkable contributions for years to come.