The 8th National Polar Sciences Symposium, organized by the Polar Research Institute (KARE) within the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) Marmara Research Center (MAM), was held in a hybrid format with physical and online participants at TÜBİTAK Gebze Campus.
Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK MAM and Director of the Polar Research Institute, detailed Turkey's historical development in polar sciences and the achievements in this field. Stating that Turkey started polar studies under the auspices of the Presidency in 2017, Özsoy said, "As of now, we are continuing the preparations for our 9th Antarctic and 5th Arctic expeditions. These studies make important contributions to our country not only scientifically but also strategically."
Prof. Dr. Özsoy also touched upon the process of Turkey's transition to consultant status in the Antarctic Treaty System, noting that the applications of Belarus and Canada have been inconclusive so far, whereas Turkey has received messages of support from consultant countries for its application. "As Turkey, we are making strong scientific, logistical and political contributions to the Antarctic Treaty System," Özsoy said, emphasizing that Turkey is active in the field of polar research with nearly 150 scientists and strengthens scientific cooperation in the international arena. Özsoy stated that Turkey's noble positions in important international polar organizations such as SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) and COMNAP (Council of Managers of National Antarctic Program) provide Turkey with a strong representation in the field.
Özsoy also drew attention to the difficulties of working in the polar regions and the continuity of these studies, saying, "Perhaps scientists who will join the polar regions in the future are among us today. When one expedition ends, preparations for the next one begin; this is a 365-day endeavor." The inclusion of scientific projects from different Turkish universities in this year's expedition once again demonstrated Turkey's aim to spread its scientific vision to all corners of the country by supporting young scientists.
In his speech, İsmail Doğan, Vice President of TUBITAK, discussed Turkey's efforts and goals to achieve a stronger position in polar sciences. Doğan said, "Turkey is on its way to becoming an international power in polar research. We develop new projects every year to strengthen our scientific presence in the polar regions and provide national and international support to our researchers." Stating that Turkey is continuously developing its strategic goals for the future in polar studies, Doğan said: "As Turkey, having a science base in Antarctica will make us a more effective science country in the international arena. This base will also be a reference point for our future scientists."
A total of 46 papers were presented in areas such as Life Sciences, Physical and Earth Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities. In addition to the scientific findings obtained from the projects, the contributions of scientific expeditions were discussed and Turkey's current projects, scientific findings and future goals in the field of polar sciences were discussed. The strategic importance of the studies carried out in Antarctica and the Arctic regions for Turkey was emphasized and how these studies strengthen Turkey's position in the international scientific community was detailed.
