October 11: Maxim Kontsevich, a distinguished Fields Medal recipient, predicted three years ago that Fields Medalists would soon emerge from China. That forecast has materialized with Chinese mathematicians Wang Hong and Deng Yu clinching the coveted honor. How does Kontsevich assess this milestone? How does this researcher—whose career bridges mathematics and theoretical physics—frame the enduring significance of fundamental science? And what path lies ahead for mathematics and human intellect in an era of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence? He shared these insights during an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG).

Widely referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics," the Fields Medal stands among the highest honors in the discipline. Awarded once every four years, it recognizes mathematicians under 40 years of age who have made foundational contributions to the field—an accolade Kontsevich previously received.

Kontsevich, who has conducted research in France for decades, is a member of the French Academy of Sciences and a professor at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHÉS).

In July this year, Chinese mathematicians Deng Yu and Wang Hong jointly earned the Fields Medal. Kontsevich noted that this outcome came as no surprise to him.

Reflecting on mathematical research in China, Kontsevich remarked: "The standard of mathematical scholarship in China has advanced consistently. I remain exceptionally optimistic about the trajectory of its mathematical research. China boasts an immense pool of brilliant talent, anchored by profound historical foundations. As early as the 1920s and 1930s, China made pivotal breakthroughs in number theory. Today, that momentum is expanding across numerous other disciplines."

Kontsevich also conveyed admiration for China`s institutional and organizational capacity. "China’s ability to coordinate resources, formulate strategic blueprints, and execute complex initiatives is extraordinary," he observed. "This is precisely where Western nations often fall short. Due to multiple factors, driving large-scale, long-term endeavors has grown increasingly difficult across the West."

During the interview, Professor Kontsevich addressed the emerging horizons and complexities confronting mathematics amid the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. He further emphasized the central role of fundamental science and interdisciplinary exploration.

In his assessment, the stature and global resonance of Chinese mathematicians continue to expand steadily—a momentum amplified by China’s sustained institutional commitment to advancing fundamental science.

Source: Xue, Foysal, Jinia | China Media Group (CMG)