"Times are changing, and mathematics awards must keep pace. I believe many of my colleagues heard the news in advance, so let me share the accurate information here."
"In 1966, the Fields Medal actually underwent a reform once before. At the time, considering the increasing number of mathematical branches, the International Congress of Mathematicians decided to increase the number of medals awarded each cycle from two to four. In other words, up to four people could receive the Fields Medal at once."
"This year, we're going to reform it again. This time, we aren't changing the number of medals—we're changing the schedule!"
"There are two schedules to change in total!" Dewitt held up two fingers.
"The award cycle must change. Cutting-edge mathematics is becoming increasingly complex and difficult, and the time needed to solve mathematical problems is growing longer. Therefore, we've decided to change the award cycle from once every four years to once every five years!"
"This change will begin this year. One award will be presented this year, and the next one will come five years later."
As soon as Dewitt finished speaking, the entire venue erupted in an uproar.
The many mathematicians immediately grew upset. This meant that winning the award would become even more difficult, while the number of opportunities each person had to win it during their career would decrease.
Some middle-aged mathematicians in particular realized that the rule change had happened to eliminate their final chance to receive the award. Their faces were filled with shock.
"I see many people getting worked up, thinking that this change has cost them their chance to win." Dewitt smiled. "Please, stay calm. The second schedule we're changing is the age limit!"
The venue instantly erupted in cheers. Quite a few mathematicians who had just passed forty became