The 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition (TAE-IX), organized by the TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute (KARE) under the auspices of the Presidency and with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, set off on February 8. During the expedition, 16 Turkish and 4 foreign researchers will participate in an intensive program that will last until March 12 to conduct scientific studies in the harsh conditions of Antarctica. This year, high school students will also have the opportunity to test their projects in Antarctica.
Scientific Goals and Research
The team, which was seen off by Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır at Istanbul Airport, will undertake a total of 19 scientific projects. These projects include critical research in various fields such as microbiology, ecology, environmental chemistry and biotechnology. In addition, maintenance of satellite and meteorological stations that make climate and atmospheric observations will be carried out within the scope of this expedition. These studies, which will be carried out with the support of TÜBİTAK, will provide important scientific data not only for Turkey but also for the entire world.
Global Successes of Turkish Scientists
This year’s expedition will once again reinforce Turkey’s international achievements in polar sciences. Having conducted 2017 expeditions to the polar region since 12, Turkey has also signed many international cooperation agreements. More than 200 Turkish scientists have conducted studies in Antarctica and the Arctic with the expeditions conducted to date. In addition, full membership was gained in important international organizations such as the European Polar Council and the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research.
Testing of Local and National Technologies
During the expedition, domestic technologies developed by Turkish engineers will also be tested. Radios and relay stations produced by ASELSAN will enable scientists to communicate securely, while thermal batteries produced by TÜBİTAK SAGE will provide energy for possible emergencies. Domestic UAVs will be used in scientific data collection under harsh climate conditions. In this way, domestic technologies will be introduced both nationally and internationally.
High School Students in Antarctica
The 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition also offers opportunities to young scientists in Turkey this year. Three high school students who won first place in the High School Students Polar Research Project Competition held last year will have the opportunity to test their projects in Antarctica. Kabataş Elif Sena Şahin from the Boys High School said about this experience, "We had a very rare experience with this opportunity that our country gave us. We are very happy."
Climate Change and Global Collaborations
Another important aspect of the expedition is the work to be done in the field of global cooperation and science diplomacy. Turkey contributes to polar research by cooperating with more than 20 countries. In this expedition, 4 foreign researchers will take part in the expedition with their projects. In addition, it is aimed to strengthen the establishment of the Turkish Scientific Research Base and continue long-term monitoring studies.
The 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition will not only increase Turkey's scientific success, but will also make significant contributions to the global scientific community. This expedition will be a concrete example of Turkey's investments in polar sciences and will reinforce the global success of our scientists. In the future, the scientific data obtained through these studies will play an important role in critical areas such as climate change, environmental protection and biotechnology.
