La Jornada: Mathematicians are recognized for solving historical problems and complex theories

During the International Congress of Mathematicians, held in the United States, the 2026 Fields Medal recognized four researchers for solving historical problems and connecting complex theories of physics and geometry, that congress reported on its website.

This is the Chinese Yu Deng, who rigorously derived the Boltzmann equation, which describes how particles in a gas change, and connected microscopic physical laws with the behavior of gases on a large scale.

In addition, the American John Pardon was recognized for his contributions to symplectic geometry and topology, which help model the mathematics behind string theory in quantum physics. His compatriot Jacob Tsimerman won the prize for introducing the logical techniques of “o-minimality” to algebraic geometry. His work allowed us to address mysteries of number theory and move towards the resolution of the famous Hodge conjecture.

Also awarded was Chinese mathematician Hong Wang, who solved the historic Kakeya problem in three dimensions through harmonic analysis and geometric measure theory. Her breakthrough is considered the greatest milestone of the century in her area and she becomes the third woman in 90 years to receive this award.

For Deng Yu and Wang Hong, it marks the first time that Chinese mathematicians have won the prestigious honor.

“It is a great honor to have my name listed among all those great mathematicians whom I have always admired,” Deng said at a press conference after the ceremony.

“This means a lot to me and my other collaborators,” said Wang, who recalled learning that Terence Tao received the Fields Medal when she was a high school student. “I was very excited then. So I’m excited today too.”

Deng studied at Peking University before moving to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and receiving his PhD from Princeton University. Wang completed his bachelor’s degree at Peking University, his master’s degree at the University of Paris-Saclay, and his doctorate at MIT.

This award is given every four years, in the context of the International Congress of Mathematicians, to recognize outstanding achievements in that discipline, both for the work already accomplished and for the promise of future contributions from researchers under 40 years of age. Its purpose is to provide support and encouragement to young talents so that they continue making top-level scientific contributions.

The prize consists of 15,000 Canadian dollars (about 10,650 US dollars) and a gold medallion with the effigy of Archimedes.

The Fields Medal Committee is appointed by the Executive Committee of the International Mathematical Union (IMU). Their task is to select at least two winners – although there is a strong preference for choosing four –, ensuring that the selection reflects the diversity of the different areas of mathematics. To be a candidate, it is a requirement to not have turned 40 years old before January 1 of the year in which the congress at which the medals are awarded is held.