Turkey started science diplomacy in the White Continent. Turkish researchers, carrying out 7 projects on Horseshoe Island as part of the 18th National Antarctic Science Expedition, visited the science bases of 8 different countries on the continent, which contains important clues about the past and future of the earth. The Turkish scientific delegation, which met with its colleagues at the science stations of Chile, Russia, Brazil, Poland, Argentina, Uruguay, Bulgaria and Ecuador, on the one hand, evaluated the opportunities for joint scientific work and strengthened the aim of making Turkey permanent in the continent.
THE WORLD'S BLACK BOX
The 7th National Antarctic Science Expedition, which was carried out under the auspices of the Presidency, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and under the coordination of TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute (KARE), was successfully completed. The expeditionary delegation returned to Turkey with new scientific data that will decipher the new codes of the White Continent on their journey to explore the black box of the Earth.
Some of the data obtained as a result of the expedition will return to academic publication with long-term measurements and examples over the years. Some studies, such as microplastic research, will be published as an international academic publication in a one-year period.
MEDICAL DOCTORS ALSO IN THE DELEGATION
The expedition team worked on 68 projects with the main theme “Climate change and the differences created by human impact on the polar regions” on Horseshoe Island, where the temporary Turkish Science Camp is located at 18 degrees south latitude. In the delegation; Medical doctors from two different branches also took part in projects on earth sciences, life sciences, physical sciences and social sciences. The doctors who participated in the expedition provided medical support to the expedition team both in the field and on board while carrying out their research projects.
THERE ARE CLOSE TO 100 SCIENCE BASES
Turkish researchers, who took many samples and made measurements such as sea water samples, living samples, micro living samples, made important visits in terms of science diplomacy.
There are nearly 30 scientific research bases belonging to 100 countries on the coldest, windiest and driest continent of the world. Expeditionary delegation; Escudero (Chile), Bellingshausen (Russia), Comandante Ferraz (Brazil), Arctowski (Poland), Carlini (Argentina) Artigas (Uruguay), St. He visited the stations of Kliment Ohridski (Bulgaria) and Maldonado (Ecuador). Gülcan Akoğuz, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Santiago, accompanied the team during their base visits to Argentina, Brazil, Poland and Chile.
14 SCIENTISTS ON THE 22 THOUSAND KILOMETER JOURNEY
Turkish scientists, on the 14 thousand-kilometer journey starting from Istanbul, reached the 80-meter Chilean trek. bayraklı He went to Horseshoe Island, where the temporary Turkish Science Camp is located, with the research ship “Betanzos”. During the 34-day expedition, 13 Turkish researchers from 19 different institutions, 2 Ecuadorian and 1 Colombian researchers served. 21 ship personnel accompanied the crew on the expedition.
48 HOUR FLIGHT
Researchers from TUBITAK, Naval Forces Command, General Directorate of Maps, General Directorate of Meteorology, research institutes and universities took part in the team. During the expedition, 48 hours and 33 thousand kilometers of aircraft, 2 thousand 500 kilometers of cruises were made, 200 hours of boat operations were carried out.
OUR FLAG IS WAVING
7th National Antarctic Science Expedition Coordinator Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, noting that there was a major earthquake disaster in Turkey during the expedition, said, “The disaster really hurt us. With this sadness, while trying to catch up with our cities, our team, who went to Antarctica, successfully completed their scientific studies with enthusiasm. This is of course very important to us. This means science diplomacy. It means the flag of the Republic of Turkey flying in Antarctica.” said.
CONSULTING COUNTRY
Pointing out that the collection of scientific data in Antarctica is very valuable, Prof. Dr. Özsoy said, “We have seismic equipment in Antarctica, we have meteorology equipment, we have GNSS equipment. With this equipment we can measure waves, tides and glaciers. The data to be obtained from here will contribute greatly to the literature.” he said. Özsoy stated that, thanks to these studies, they want to become a consultant country in the Antarctic Agreements System.
CANCER AND ALZHEIMER TREATMENT
Science Expedition Leader Captain Özgün Oktar stated that they are working on a project that aims to treat diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's through macrolides this year, and said, "In addition, we investigated the presence of human-induced microplastic effects in different environments." said.
WE WILL PROTECT ENDEMIC SPECIES
Noting that they are working with the UK and Belgium on the protection of the lakes on Horseshoe Island, Oktar said, “Again, studies on the mapping of the bottom of these lakes, the determination of the physical parameters and the understanding of the current situation have accelerated as of this year. By following these lakes every year and ensuring that they are under protection, we will ensure that the endemic species in them are preserved for the future.” he said.
SCARY NEWS
Emphasizing that they have started to witness some changes during their stay in Antarctica, Oktar said, “Some of these are, of course, the melting and decreasing of the glaciers on the island, and on the other hand, the increase in algae and other living things in the Lystad Bay, where our camp is located, together with the nutrients carried by these glaciers to the sea. For us, of course, these come across as frightening news.” said.
IT WILL ENSURE US TO HAVE A VOICE
TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute Deputy Director Assoc. Dr. Hasan Hakan Yavaşoğlu, explaining that many projects in the fields of earth sciences, physical sciences and life sciences are being studied in the field, "The quality scientific results that will be produced at the end of these studies will be the elements that prove that our country has a say in that region." he said.