The 9th National Antarctic Science Expedition (TAE IX), conducted under the auspices of the Presidency, administered by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and carried out by the TÜBİTAK MAM Institute of Polar Research (KARE), will take place from February 6, 2025, to March 12, 2025. As part of the expedition, a total of 20 researchers—16 Turkish and 4 international—will carry out 19 different scientific projects in Antarctica. The first of these projects will provide three high school students with the opportunity to conduct experiments in Antarctica.

Minister of Industry and Technology Kacır: “This Time, It Will Boost Turkey’s Scientific Achievements”

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır saw off the team of the 9th National Antarctic Science Expedition at Istanbul Airport. Minister Kacır emphasized the importance of the expedition, stating, “During the expedition, we will carry out 19 scientific projects with 16 Turkish scientists and 4 foreign researchers. The expedition will arrive in Antarctica on February 8 and will be successfully completed on March 12.”.

Minister Kacır noted that research activities in Antarctica have attracted the attention not only of Turkey but also of the global scientific community, stating, “We have collaborated with more than 20 countries internationally, and 27 Turkish scientists have participated in expeditions organized by various countries. We have become a party to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. On this expedition, we will establish a new low-frequency measurement station in collaboration with the United States,’ he said.

“Since 2017, we have been supporting our scientists’ research by organizing polar science expeditions. To date, we have carried out a total of 12 National Polar Science Expeditions—8 to Antarctica and 4 to the Arctic. For us, just as valuable as successfully carrying out these 12 expeditions are the scientific, technological, and strategic gains our country has achieved through them. Through the polar expeditions conducted to date, nearly 200 Turkish scientists have had the opportunity to carry out more than 100 projects under polar conditions. These research efforts have resulted in 243 scientific publications and 40 graduate theses.’

“As Turkey, we have established meteorological, satellite positioning, seismic, air quality, and aerosol monitoring stations in Antarctica—the region farthest from our own geographical location. Our Polar Research Institute, established in 2019 under TÜBİTAK to coordinate polar research in our country, continues to conduct seismic and meteorological observations in Antarctica 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ’We can say that our polar expeditions, which we view as a strategic mission, are also one of the finest examples of the effective science diplomacy we have pursued in recent years,” said Minister Kacır. “Within the scope of polar research, we have collaborated with more than 20 countries on the international stage. We have hosted 22 researchers from 13 countries on our expeditions. Additionally, 27 Turkish scientists have conducted research on international expeditions organized by nine different countries. Thanks to all these efforts, we have successfully completed the process of gaining full membership in the European Polar Board, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, and the Executive Council of National Antarctic Programs. We have also become a party to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.’.

Minister Kacır said, “During the polar expeditions we carried out, we also had the opportunity to test and evaluate our domestic and national technology products in Antarctica and the Arctic, which have the world’s most challenging climatic conditions. The “Thermal Battery” produced by TÜBİTAK SAGE met our energy needs during potential emergencies. The radios and relay stations produced by ASELSAN enabled our scientists to maintain reliable communication and carry out their duties safely. ”Our domestically produced UAVs facilitated our scientists’ work even under the most challenging conditions,” he said.

A Turkish Scientific Research Center Will Be Established

With the aim of strengthening our country’s scientific presence in the polar regions, the efforts led by TÜBİTAK will be crowned with the establishment of the Turkish Scientific Research Base. Minister Kacır stated that this base will ensure that Turkish scientists’ contributions to polar research become a permanent fixture.

Research That Will Shine a Light on the Future

TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın said, “We are happy and excited. Our scientists have been conducting research in the polar regions for years. Polar research is extremely important. Through the scientific research they will conduct there, our scientists will shed light on our future,” he said.

Preparations for the Expedition Are Complete

The TAE IX team finalized its preparations at the Expedition Training and Coordination Meeting held at Istanbul Technical University’s Faculty of Maritime Sciences from January 20–22, 2025. The team will depart from Istanbul on February 6 and arrive in Antarctica on February 8. The expedition will conclude with the team’s return to Istanbul on March 12.

Scientific Studies and Projects

During the expedition, TÜBİTAK Kutup 1001 projects will be implemented in the field. In addition, numerous projects will be carried out in collaboration with four foreign researchers. As part of the expedition, maintenance will be performed on satellites and meteorological stations, and marine mapping activities will continue.

High School Students Will Also Participate in TÜBİTAK 2204-C Projects

As part of the TÜBİTAK 2204-C Polar Research Projects Competition, three high school students from Kabataş Boys High School will also have the opportunity to carry out their projects in Antarctica. The students will conduct various gas and climate measurements as part of their “Unmanned Polar Aerial Vehicle” project.

Shipping Logistics and Preparations

A total of 2 metric tons of logistical supplies and scientific equipment were delivered to Antarctica for the expedition. Logistical cooperation and plans for the exchange of scientists between Turkey and Chile were successfully carried out.