Longyearbyen: Trkiye's fifth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition has officially commenced, featuring 12 scientists who are conducting 19 projects in the Arctic Ocean as part of the nation's expanding polar research initiatives. The expedition is being carried out under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency and led by the Industry and Technology Ministry in coordination with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Trkiye (TUBITAK) MAM Polar Research Institute.
According to Anadolu Agency, the research team embarked from Istanbul, traveling through Oslo and Tromso before reaching Longyearbyen in Svalbard, located at 78 degrees north latitude, where scientific activities are currently underway. Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir announced the expedition's launch on X, following the recent completion of Trkiye's ninth National Antarctic Science Expedition. The scientific team is set to collect seawater and sediment samples, examine microplastics on the ocean surface, and monitor atmospheric dynamics using GNSS and meteorological systems. "The traces of climate change will be tracked in the polar regions," Kacir stated.
Additionally, three high school students, winners of Trkiye's TEKNOFEST technology competition, are participating to test their projects under Arctic conditions and contribute to the expedition's scientific efforts. The mission includes joint projects with researchers from Argentina, Bulgaria, and Ecuador, exemplifying Trkiye's commitment to science diplomacy. Minister Kacir emphasized the country's intent to expand its polar presence under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership through science-driven initiatives.
Prof. Burcu Ozsoy, the expedition's coordinator, highlighted that the mission will solely focus on the Arctic, unlike previous research endeavors in Antarctica. "We plan to start and end our expedition in Svalbard and to conduct research in the Arctic Ocean throughout the mission," she explained. The projects encompass various scientific areas, such as atmospheric measurements, marine water and sediment sampling, and studies of Arctic ecosystems. Many observations will contribute to long-term monitoring, utilizing both ground-based data and satellite imagery to assess the effects of climate change.
Among the student participants, Asli Kilci from Dumlupinar Science and Art Center in Afyonkarahisar joined the expedition after winning first place in TUBITAK's 2204-C competition for her project on 19th-century polar exploration illustrations. Kaan Yusuf Odaci, from Ozlem Burma Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Kastamonu, was selected for his mobile device that leverages artificial intelligence to measure air quality, securing first place in the 2204-D competition. Elif Berra Demir, an 11th-grade student from TUBITAK Science High School in Gebze, Kocaeli, also joined after winning in the sustainability and welfare category.
Aligned with Trkiye's 'National Polar Science Strategy,' the expedition focuses on national and international scientific priorities and strategically important research themes.