What does it mean for a Chinese mathematician to win the Fields Medal for the first time
2026-07-28
A historic breakthrough in Chinese mathematics!
On July 23, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the International Congress of Mathematicians, Chinese mathematicians Deng Yu and Wang Hong were awarded the Fields Medal.
This is the first time that a Chinese mathematician has won the Fields Medal, and also the first time that two mathematicians with domestic mathematical education backgrounds have won this "Nobel Prize in Mathematics" at the same time.
What kind of soil does the seed of mathematics sprout from? Double star shining, what kind of mathematical galaxy is behind it?
Dare to enter uninhabited areas and challenge recognized major issues
The Fields Medal, awarded to Deng Yu and Wang Hong, is one of the highest honors in the international mathematical community. It is presented every four years, with no more than four winners at a time. The award is given to scholars under the age of 40 who have made outstanding contributions in the field of mathematics. Previously, Chinese mathematicians Qiu Chengtong and Tao Zhexuan had won awards.
What achievements have the two young scholars made? The reporter learned from Peking University that Wang Hong and her collaborators used sophisticated multi-scale induction methods to prove the three-dimensional hanging valley conjecture that has plagued the mathematical community for over a century. In addition, she also made significant breakthroughs with her collaborators on the two-dimensional Faulkner distance problem and collaborated with them to fully solve the F ö rstenberg set conjecture.
Deng Yu and his collaborators jointly completed a rigorous derivation of the hard sphere particle system to the Boltzmann equation on a long time scale, establishing a chain of derivation from Newtonian hard sphere dynamics to the Boltzmann equation and then to the Navier Stokes equation, and making critical progress on Hilbert's sixth problem.
Speaking of his feelings about winning the award, Deng Yu said at the press conference after the award ceremony that it is a great honor to be listed alongside the names of the great mathematicians he has always admired.
Wang Hong said, 'This is of great significance to me and my collaborators.'. She said that when she learned about Tao Zhexuan winning the Fields Medal from a math magazine in high school, she was very excited. "Today, I am equally excited," she said.
According to Tian Gang, an academician of the CAS Member and director of the Beijing International Mathematics Research Center of Peking University, Deng Yu and Wang Hong's breakthrough in major mathematical problems is the embodiment of "daring to be first".
At this year's graduation ceremony of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University (hereinafter referred to as "Peking University School of Mathematics"), Tian Gang encouraged the graduates with the experiences of two young mathematicians, saying, "Not only should we take the lead and stand at the forefront, but we must also dare to enter uncharted territory and challenge recognized major problems. This is a courage to face difficulties and a determination to persist for a long time.
"This is a historic breakthrough in Chinese mathematics." Zhang Jiping, an academician of the CAS Member and a professor of the Academy of Mathematics of Peking University, believes that this award is a landmark event that Chinese people have had a significant influence in the field of basic science in recent years.
Why not enjoy the beauty of mathematics in learning
The germination and growth of seeds are based on deep soil. Looking back at the educational experiences of two mathematicians, it is not difficult to find that the pursuit of the beauty of mathematics has been planted in their hearts since childhood.
A good solution is like a beautiful article or poem. Why not enjoy the beauty of mathematics in learning
On July 24th, Wang Hong's alma mater Guilin Middle School in Guilin, Guangxi held an exchange meeting, where the teacher read aloud the essay "The Beauty of Mathematics" written by Wang Hong. In the eyes of teachers, genuine love, extreme focus, and steadfast perseverance are precious qualities of Wang Hong.
Wang Hong comes from Guilin, Guangxi, and Deng Yu comes from Shenzhen, Guangdong. Both of them completed their basic education in China. In 2007, they went to study at Peking University.
The School of Mathematics at Peking University is the soil where they grew up together - Wang Hong transferred to the School of Earth and Space Sciences at Peking University for a year due to her passion. Deng Yu won the gold medal in the International Mathematical Olympiad and was recommended to the Peking University School of Mathematics.
When I was at Peking University, my earliest class was the mathematical analysis class taught by Professor Chen Tianquan. His teaching style and textbooks were very distinctive, which allowed me to learn a lot. After my sophomore year, I studied harmonic analysis under Professor Liu Heping and also did some undergraduate research. At that time, I began to explore some cutting-edge issues in harmonic analysis. Although no results were achieved at the time, this training was very important. Overall, my studies at Peking University laid a solid foundation for me, "Deng Yu recalled.
In today's Peking University School of Mathematics, in open discussion spaces named after the chapters of "Nine Chapters on Arithmetic" such as "Fangtian", "Corn", and "Yingwei", teachers and students often brainstorm together. The whiteboard in the seminar room is filled with deduction formulas, and the sparks of cognitive collision never cease.
We attach great importance to basic courses, led by academicians and taught by high-level teachers, to strengthen the frontline of undergraduate basic teaching; Deepen teaching reform, allowing students to enroll regardless of major, lay a solid foundation, and then choose their own direction based on their interests; Establishing "Junior Discussion Class" and "Undergraduate Discussion Class", students will report their research findings in the discussion class, exercise independent thinking and academic expression... At Peking University School of Mathematics, the atmosphere of learning mathematics and enjoying mathematics is very strong.
"The goal of the School of Mathematics of Peking University is to provide a resource rich ecology, so that everyone can play their unique talents and let a hundred flowers bloom. Students with interest and talent come here, in this ecology, their interest in mathematics can be maintained for a long time and may be deeply stimulated." Liu Ruochuan, academician of the CAS Member and president of the School of Mathematics of Peking University, said.
To pave the way for basic science and improve the chain of independent talent cultivation
When the twin stars shine, people also turn their attention to the brilliant galaxy of Chinese mathematics.
In an interview with the media, Deng Yu said, "Based on my current understanding, the mathematical environment in China is already quite good, and it is not inferior to foreign countries in many cutting-edge research fields." Wang Hong also said that when returning to China for exchanges and presentations, she can hear many students asking very profound and interesting questions.
Peking University has launched the Mathematics Graduate Top notch Training Program on the basis of the Undergraduate Top notch Training Program, responding to the demand for independent training of high-level talents in basic disciplines.
"We will strengthen basic research with greater strength and more practical measures, accurately anchor the main direction of scientific research, grasp the strategic opportunity for the development of basic disciplines, continue to promote the construction of world-class mathematical disciplines, and make new contributions to the realization of self-reliance and self-improvement in high-level science and technology in China," said Gao Song, academician of the CAS Member and president of Peking University.
Behind the breakthrough in mathematical research is the long-term stable support of the country for basic sciences. From the introduction of the 'Work Plan on Strengthening Mathematical Science Research' to the establishment of the '14th Five Year Plan' national key research and development program 'Mathematics and Applied Research', a series of policy measures have been taken to pave the way for basic science.
Nowadays, more and more Chinese mathematicians are standing on the international podium and invited to give presentations at the International Congress of Mathematicians. The number and quality of papers published by Chinese scholars in top mathematical journals continue to rise, and a group of outstanding young foreign mathematicians are stepping towards China. These changes send a signal that Chinese mathematics is growing into an important force in world mathematics.
Two young mathematicians have won top international awards, bringing glory to the Chinese mathematical community and prompting more contemplation on how to guide more outstanding students to delve deeper into fundamental disciplines and cultivate more top mathematical talents?
When interest becomes a guide, effort is no longer a burden, but a natural extension of exploring the unknown. "Song Deyi, Secretary of the Party Committee of Shenzhen Senior High School (Group), believes that cultivating students' curiosity, imagination, and desire for exploration can help talents continue to grow, break through, and strive for excellence.
Experts point out that in order to improve the chain of independent talent cultivation, the future goal should be to further provide students with a cutting-edge and first-class academic environment. In addition, phenomena such as "hat only", "paper only", and "evaluating articles and people based on journals" need to be further eliminated. The academic community should guide researchers to focus on first-class teaching work that truly changes and leads disciplines, and support young researchers who are dedicated to tackling major challenges and daring to innovate. (Outlook New Era)
Edit:Luoyu Responsible editor:Zhoushu
Source:people.cn
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