# Four Young Mathematicians Awarded Prestigious Fields Medals The awards, given every four years to mathematicians under 40, have found their recipients. - **Source:** [NYT > Science](https://brifing.si/source/794f9fbd-c10f-44d6-932d-9039af67922c) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [People & Culture](https://brifing.si/c/people) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b1db4986-25e5-46e9-85ca-f26d1005aeb2 ## What Are Fields Medals? Fields Medals are prestigious awards given to mathematicians under the age of 40 who have shown exceptional achievements in mathematics. Considered one of the highest honors for mathematicians, the medals are awarded every four years at international mathematics congresses. ## History of the Award Fields Medals were first awarded in 1936, proposed by Canadian mathematician John Charles Fields. The award was created to fill the gap left by the absence of a Nobel Prize in mathematics and has since become one of the most respected honors in the field. ## Selection Process The recipients of Fields Medals are selected by a committee formed by the International Mathematical Union. The committee evaluates the work of mathematicians worldwide and identifies the most promising young mathematicians. The selection process is rigorous and kept confidential. ## This Year's Winners This year, four young mathematicians were awarded Fields Medals. Each has made groundbreaking contributions in different areas of mathematics. Their work is expected to open new horizons in the mathematical world. ## Significance of the Award Fields Medals are not just an award but also a source of motivation for mathematicians. This honor empowers young mathematicians to advance their work further and encourages innovation in the field of mathematics. ## Future Impacts The winners of Fields Medals can shape the direction of future research in mathematics. This award accelerates discoveries in mathematics and fosters the development of the next generation of mathematicians, thereby contributing even more to the advancement of humanity. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/science/fields-medals-pardon-deng-wang-tsimerman.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._