A prize awarded for outstanding achievements in mathematics, considered by mathematicians to be equivalent to a Nobel Prize. Medals are awarded to individuals at successive International Congresses of Mathematicians, normally held at four‐year intervals. The proposal was made by J. C. Fields to found two gold medals, using funds remaining after the financing of the Congress in Toronto in 1924. The first two medals were presented at the Congress in Oslo in 1936. In some instances, three or four medals have been awarded. It has been the practice to make the awards to mathematicians under the age of 40. For a list of winners, see appendix 21.

http://www.mathunion.org/general/prizes/fields/details/ The website of the awarding body of the Fields Medal.