It seems that only the experts know that mathematics is a driving force behind many modern technologies. The Gauss Prize, awarded for the first time in August 2006, has been created to help the rest of the world realize this fundamental fact. The prize is to honor scientists whose mathematical research has had an impact outside mathematics – either in technology, in business, or simply in people's everyday lives.

The Gauss Prize is awarded jointly by the Deutsche Mathematiker-Vereinigung (DMV = German Mathematical Union) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU), and administered by the DMV. The prize consists of a medal and a monetary award. The source of the prize is a surplus from the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM '98) held in Berlin.

With the Gauss Prize the IMU has broadened the range of its awards, now including the influence of mathematics to other disciplines. The award ceremony includes a brief overview of the achievements of the prize winner. The presentation of the mathematical work will be addressed to the general public as well as journalists, so that all may appreciate the importance of mathematics for everyday life.

Gauss Prize Winners