A cooperation protocol was signed between TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute (KARE) and Istanbul Technical University Satellite Communication and Remote Sensing Application and Research Center (UHUZAM) for studies covering polar regions.
Polar studies are one of the vision projects that Türkiye has given importance to together with space in the recent period. In this context, expeditions to the South and North polar regions are organized annually. The foundation and core of the expeditions and scientific studies to the polar regions were started under the umbrella of İTÜ in 2015, and then TÜBİTAK MAM KARE, which was established in 2019, was structured as the focal institution of polar studies.
The expeditions to Antarctica in 2017-2018-2019 were coordinated by İTÜ Polar Studies Application and Research Center (PolReC), and the expeditions in 2020-2021-2022 were coordinated by TÜBITAK MAM Polar Research Institute (KARE).
With this protocol, the process that started in İTÜ and continued under TÜBİTAK MAM KARE was consolidated and strengthened. Thus, the memory of the two institutions will be united, their contribution to education will be increased, the potential of scientific projects will be strengthened and cooperation will be crowned.
With the National Antarctic Science Expeditions (TAE) and the Arctic Science Expeditions (TASE), coordinated by TÜBİTAK MAM KARE, our scientists carry out valuable studies in the polar regions. The basic data acquisition methods of studies in polar regions are terrestrial observations/sampling and observations from satellites, best known as remote sensing. Terrestrial observations have limitations such as logistical difficulties, cost, vital risks and transportation. On the other hand, remote sensing allows collecting observation data in large areas without going to the region.
