Tech • IA • Crypto
Three Minutes with Hong Wang (X2010), Fields Medal 2026
3/10TL;DR
Mathematician Hong Wang traces her path from Beijing to leading research roles in the United States and France, highlighting perseverance, mentorship, and collaboration as key drivers of success.
KEY POINTS
From Beijing to École Polytechnique
Hong Wang gained admission to École Polytechnique in 2010 after passing highly competitive written and oral exams held in Beijing. Despite not having top grades in college, she saw the selection process as a rare opportunity and trained intensively to succeed. France’s strong mathematical tradition played a decisive role in shaping her early academic development.
Academic trajectory through elite institutions
After graduating in 2014, Wang moved to the United States to pursue a PhD in mathematics at MIT. She later spent over a decade in the U.S. across doctoral studies, postdoctoral research, and faculty positions. She now serves as a professor at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, reflecting a career built across leading global centers of mathematics.
The appeal of mathematical thinking
Wang describes mathematics as both challenging and deeply rewarding, emphasizing the moment when complex problems resolve into simple and elegant solutions. This intellectual satisfaction motivated her persistence through difficult problems and long research processes.
Influence of renowned mentors
During her studies in France, Wang worked with prominent mathematicians including Pierre-Louis Lions, Yvan Martel, Pierre Raphaël, Jérémy Scheffer, and Claire Voisin. A formative experience came through close guidance from Martel, who encouraged her to bring questions openly, reinforcing that mathematical progress does not require isolation.
Building confidence through support
Early in her career, Wang struggled with self-doubt and differing perspectives from peers. Supportive mentorship helped her gain confidence and become more patient in problem-solving. This shift allowed her to independently resolve many challenges while maintaining a collaborative mindset.
Role of advisor Larry Guth
Wang cites her PhD advisor, Larry Guth, as a central role model. His willingness to listen carefully and engage with her reasoning strengthened her confidence and intellectual independence. This mentorship style played a key role in her development as a researcher.
The long path to research breakthroughs
Mathematical research often requires extended effort, with Wang noting that a single paper can take nearly a year of writing, revising, and verification. The eventual publication brings relief but can also generate pressure due to increased attention from the academic community.
Collaboration as a survival mechanism
Wang emphasizes the importance of collaboration in sustaining difficult research projects. When working alone, setbacks can lead to discouragement, but in a team, motivation can be shared. This collective persistence often prevents projects from being abandoned just before reaching a solution.
Returning to France
After 11 years in the United States, Wang chose to reconnect with France, where she first developed confidence in mathematics. She describes the country as holding a special place in her academic journey, influencing her decision to maintain ties with its research environment.
Broader value of mathematical training
Beyond academia, Wang highlights the transferable benefits of mathematical training. She argues that it cultivates calmness, resilience, and structured thinking, skills that remain valuable even outside a research career.
CONCLUSION
Hong Wang’s career illustrates how perseverance, mentorship, and collaboration can transform early uncertainty into sustained success in mathematics, while underscoring the enduring value of rigorous intellectual training.