Mathematicians attend the opening ceremony of the 4th International Congress of Chinese Mathematicians in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, December 17, 2007. More than 1,200 scientists from all over the world are here in Hangzhou to attend the congress opened on Monday. (Xinhua)

Seven outstanding Chinese mathematicians were recognized with the Morningside Medal of Mathematics here on Monday.

The awards, also known as Chinese Fields Medal, were presented at the Fourth International Congress of Chinese Mathematicians (ICCM) in the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province.

Wang Xujia, a professor from the Australian National University Mathematics and its Applications Center, won the gold medal for his contribution to fully nonlinear equations and Hessian's theory.

Statistician Fan Jianqing, who creatively applied mathematics into statistics, received the applied mathematics gold medal.

Silver medals were awarded to Liu Chiu-chu, Ji Lizhen, Jin Shi, Chen Chiun-chuan and Tian Ye.

ICCM's fourth congress has drawn over 1,200 participants of Chinese descent from around the world. Presidents of some top universities and 30 other experts were also in attendance.

ICCM Chairman Yau Shing-Tung spoke highly of the winners. "They have made great contributions in their fields. Their achievements reflect the development of Chinese mathematics in the past 10 years."

"Mathematics knows no boundary. It is key to the development of Chinese mathematics that Chinese mathematicians cooperate with their non-Chinese counterparts."

Yau hoped that the conference would serve as a platform for exchange.

ICCM is a triennial event that brings together Chinese and overseas mathematicians. The three previous conferences were held in Beijing, Taipei and Hong Kong in 1998, 2001 and 2004, respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2007)