The Year of Mathematics 2008 (YoM) was a hugely successful Science Year. It succeeded in conveying the relevance and appeal of mathematics to the general public, particularly to young people. The campaign inspired and promoted almost 800 activities with more than 500 partners from all parts of society and led to unrivalled news coverage on mathematical topics. Thus the YoM has set the ball rolling in establishing a more positive image of mathematics in Germany.The campaign was developed and implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). By focusing on young people and offering new approaches to mathematics, the campaign reflected the high demand for mathematically qualified personnel in the German job market.

The orchestrated campaign was based on a press & partner office and two websites (654,259 hits in total) and was bolstered by events, advertising and publishing. The achieved media coverage was immense: 391.2 million reached with 3,688 printed articles, 79.7 million reached with 538 television features, 182.2 million reached with 535 radio features, and 2,264 online articles. The Internet-based youth campaign successfully listed 26,229 participants for a mathematical online game. In cooperation with the YoM, the Kangaroo Maths Contest reached record numbers with more than 750,000 participants.

The YoM was officially launched at an event in Berlin in January 2008 achieving broad coverage in the national media; 600 guests from all facets of society attended. A nationwide media campaign (CLPs and adverts) accompanied the kick-off.

The integrated campaign was based on a press & partner office (ongoing press work, 10 media partners, 40 press releases, media cooperation, 7 testimonials, 829 citizen ambassadors, partner hotline), a website (daily updates, bimonthly partner & media-newsletters) and bolstered by events (public, partner and media events) and publishing (brochures, programs, flyers) throughout the year.The youth campaign was primarily Internet-based with a special site including a mathematical online game (26,229 participants until January 2009 and still running). Mailings provided nearly 34,000 German schools with posters, postcards and DVDs featuring a specially produced mathematics film. Pupils from seven cities enjoyed an active mathematics event bringing the YoM to a close in December 2008.

The YoM was highly successful. Mathematics became a topic for the national and regional media, including the tabloid and yellow press and the achieved media coverage was immense: 391.2 million reached with 3,688 printed articles, 79.7 million reached with 538 television features, 182.2 million reached with 535 radio features and 2,264 online articles.

More than 500 partners took part in almost 800 events - from exhibitions to science festivals. More than 800 citizens registered as YoM ambassadors organising mathematical activities. Several contests were held to inspire the public to experience and promote mathematics. Seven prominent testimonials actively supported the YoM, including Barbara Meier, winner of the TV show “Germany’s Next Top Model”.

The Internet-based youth campaign showed great success: 26,229 participants registered for the mathematical online game. In cooperation with the YoM, the Kangaroo Maths Contest reached record numbers with more than 750,000 participants. More than 34,000 schools received motivational information material.