Fields Medal duo a triumph for Chinese education, global collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 JULY 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR — China produced two Fields Medal winners in a single year for the first time, joining the United States, France, Britain and Russia in that achievement.

The recognition underscores the strength of China’s education system, international exposure and cross-border collaboration in nurturing top-tier mathematicians. Wang Hong and Deng Yu were awarded the Fields Medal, often described as the Nobel Prize for mathematics, at the International Mathematical Union’s quadrennial congress. The prize is given to mathematicians under 40.

Wang, who studied at Peking University, Ecole Polytechnique and Paris-Sud University before earning her doctorate at MIT, was honoured for advances in harmonic analysis and geometric measure theory, including work on the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture. Deng, a graduate of Peking University, MIT and Princeton University, was recognised for contributions to partial differential equations and linking fundamental physics laws to equations governing gases and fluids.

The dual wins highlight how strong domestic training, overseas study and global research networks can produce world-class talent. The laureates’ achievements reflect disciplined academic pursuit combined with international exchanges that amplify impact.

The Fields Medal is awarded every four years. Other 2026 winners include American John Pardon and Russian-born Canadian Jacob Tsimerman.