True fulfilment lies in discovering the unknown: Fields Medalist on the philosophy of scientific creativity
The greatest sense of fulfilment lies in conducting research that no one has ever done before, said Deng Yu, recipient of the 2026 Fields Medal, the highest international award in mathematics. Science is not merely dry facts or formulas. It is a living dialogue with the world, an attempt to grasp its hidden patterns. Every step into the unknown requires not only knowledge but also courage, patience and inner harmony. Deng Yu, whose name is now written in history, reflects on what drives a researcher: not the thirst for fame, but genuine curiosity and aesthetic intuition, which allow one to choose the right path among thousands.
Deng, together with fellow Chinese mathematician Wang Hong, was awarded the prize at the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians in Philadelphia, USA, on 23 July, marking the first time Chinese mathematicians have received this prestigious honour. In an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Deng shared his perspective on science and creativity.
“All our efforts are a desire to better understand the world. For me, science is a way to understand the world, and I hope to understand it better. Indeed, I don’t always do something just because it is an important problem. If I find a question very interesting, and based on my aesthetic taste I consider it a good question and the right direction, then I will work on it,” said Deng.
Speaking about solving difficult challenges, Deng emphasised that talent is not the most important thing – effort is. “Talent sets the lower bound, while effort can raise the upper bound. You need to think through every step seriously and for a long time. Otherwise, you can only accomplish relatively simple things. If you are smart, you can create useful tools. But for some important discoveries, you really need to think deeply. Opportunities determine whether you can actually reach your upper limit. Sometimes you just happen to have the right tool, you notice a problem and can solve it – so success requires luck,” said Deng.
Deng admitted that he takes pleasure in his work despite the difficulties, because he is doing what interests him. “Of course there are tough moments, but in the end this is what I want to do, so I am very eager to do it. As a student, I read a novel that said scientists are always on the road of research. Of course, there will be moments of fatigue and times when we lose our way. But even so, we are still on the road and will always move forward. I think that is wonderful. There will be times when things go smoothly and times when they don’t, but even when things go badly, we still take pleasure in the work,” said Deng.
“This is a very important question both scientifically and practically. I feel extremely honoured that we can make such a significant contribution. As for how people will evaluate and perceive it in the future, I think I should not think about that now. In conclusion, I can now do work that suits me perfectly and fully satisfies me. Moreover, from a purely research point of view, it makes no difference whether I get a medal or not. I will continue to do what interests me and what I ought to do in the future,” he said. Deng Yu initially studied at Peking University, then transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and earned his doctorate from Princeton University. He is currently a professor at the University of Chicago. The Fields Medal is awarded every four years to two to four young researchers in recognition of their outstanding achievements in existing work and promise of future discoveries.
As CCTV+ reports, Deng Yu’s reflections go far beyond any single discipline. They represent a universal creed of the scientist: to follow the beauty of thought, not to fear difficulties, and to remember that true success is born from a long, thoughtful journey, where every failure is merely a step towards new harmony. It is precisely this philosophy that is now leading Chinese science to global recognition.
