T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü Dr. Faruk ÖZLÜ Minister Globalization and global warming, which have great impacts on today s world, increase the importance attributed to polar regions every day. In polar regions; scientists conduct research on a wide variety of topics such as the marine research, research about the effect of climate change on all living creatures as well as the sea level, research on fisheries, geology, medicine and astronomy. The information collected as the result of the research must find their implications on technology. Within this scope, many countries establish scientific bases in Antarctic and Arctic regions with a view to advance in science and safeguard their national interests. These countries carry out Polar Science Programs and adopt a systematic approach in their studies. Antarctica is a continent that belongs to no one, therefore, it is a natural reserve devoted to the peace and science. Antarctica is ruled by countries which are original signatories and Consulting Parties to the Antarctic Treaty that was signed in 1959. Turkey ratified the Antarctic Treaty in 1995 and since then, has held the status of observatory country. It is important for Turkey to upgrade its status and become a Consultative Party, if it wishes to have sanayi.gov.tr
ULUSAL KUTUP BİLİM PROGRAMI (2018-2022) a say in Antarctic affairs, which requires regular scientific expeditions to be made in the continent, establishment of scientific cooperation with the other countries, preparation of the National Polar Science Program and setting up a scientific research base in Antarctica. Antarctica, which was defined by the western countries as a continent in 1800s, was first documented by Piri Reis, upon his mapping of Tierra del Fuego as the closest point to Antarctica. Assuming a role as a Consultative Party shall also be a great step in terms of our role in its history and a reminder of our right to have a say in the region. Since 2000s; Turkish scientists have been carrying out research activities in the Arctic region, upon which many countries claim rights due to its vast natural resources. It is important to base these scientific research on a specific strategy and framework. In 2017, the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology assumed responsibility in terms of the organization of Antarctic studies and activities under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, and the first scientific expedition to Antarctica was realized in 2017. İstanbul Technical University was responsible for the technical organization of the expedition. The Turkish flag, for the very first time, rose in land and the sea in Antarctica during this expedition. In line with our goal of becoming a Consultative Party; the Workshop on Polar Sciences on 12-13 April, 2017 have been organized and hosted by İstanbul Technical University with a view to determine the main research topics to be conducted in the poles by the scientists. 120 Turkish scientists from 36 institutions participated in the event and the conclusions from the workshop have provided a basis for the National Polar Science Program. In line with these developments; I sincerely believe the National Polar Science Program (2018 2022) shall prove very beneficial and fruitful for our country, and thank each and every person who has contributed to the preparation of this important document. 2 3
Map of Piri Reis
T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü Contents Minister s Foreword... 2 Contents... 6 Abbreviations... 7 1. Introduction... 8 2. National Polar Science Program... 10 2.1. The Objectives and Scope of the Program... 10 2.2. Duration... 11 2.3. Monitoring and Evaluation... 11 3. Priority Research Themes... 12 4. Human Resources... 14 5. International Cooperation... 16 6. Education, Publicity and Public Access... 18 7. Scientific Expeditions and Logistics... 20 8. Turkish Science Base... 22 sanayi.gov.tr
ULUSAL KUTUP BİLİM PROGRAMI (2018-2022) Abbreviations ATCM Ministry CEP COMNAP IASC ITU KEDI SCAR TUBITAK YOK : Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting : Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology : Committee for Environmental Protection Meeting : Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs : International Arctic Science Committee : İstanbul Technical University : Cooperation to Support Trainers for Polar Regions : The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research : The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey : Higher Education Council 2 3
T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü 1. Introduction Although the Republic of Turkey made its first official attempt to be involved in Antarctic affairs by ratifying the Antarctic Treaty in 1995, where states have suspended their rights, Turkish scientists have been carrying out scientific studies on the region since 1967. It is known that Piri Reis first mapped the southernmost terrains of Southern America which is the closest point to Antarctica in his world map of 1513. Until 2013; representatives from our country had not officially participated in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, whereas in 2013 first participation took place with individual attempts. There are 53 Parties to the Antarctic Treaty, 29 of which hold Consultative Country status and have the right to vote in the decision making process. The first institutional attempt in terms of polar sciences was made in 2014 by İstanbul Technical University. The Regulation which founded the Polar Research Center of İstanbul Technical University (ITU PolReC) was published in Official Gazette dated 17 January 2015. There are 97 facilities belonging to 30 countries in Antarctica. Until 2017; there have been approximately 40 Turkish scientists engaged in other countries scientific research teams through their individual attempts. In 2016, in cooperation with National Antarctic Science Center in Ukraine, and under the leadership of ITU PolReC, 13 Turkish scientists have realized the first interdisciplinary Antarctic scientific expedition (with the cooperation of Ukraine and Turkey). Officials of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, TUBITAK, ITU PolReC and several universities have represented our country during the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in 2016. In the same year during the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Biennial Meetings held in Kuala Lumpur; the representative of the Presidency of Turkey together with ITU PolReC and TUBITAK submitted an application and the Republic of Turkey became an associate member of SCAR. Since 2017, the Antarctic studies, which are held under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey; are carried out under the responsibility of the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology and coordinated by PolReC. In order to ensure that polar research activities are carried out with international participation and embraced in a systematic manner, the Ministry has made the relevant planning and launched the Project of Antarctica. It is known that Turkish scientists have begun their Arctic research activities in 2000s. The very first initiative on Arctic studies of the Republic of Turkey was made under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by PolReC in 2015 by submitting an application to the Arctic sanayi.gov.tr
ULUSAL KUTUP BİLİM PROGRAMI (2018-2022) Council. The result of the application has not been announced by the end of the December 2017. Below is a summary of the activities and events carried out within the scope of the Project of Antarctica : The process concerning the ratification of the Madrid Protocol by the Turkish Grand National Assembly was coordinated and the Protocol entered into force upon its publication in Official Gazette No. 30075 dated 24 May 2017. The coordination of the first National Antarctic Science Expedition on national and international level has been made between February April 2017, relevant financial resources have been provided, and the first expedition has successfully been realized. A delegation headed by the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology attended the 40th Session of the ATCM in China between 22 May -1 June 2017 as well as the 20th Session of the CEP. For the first time, the official scientific findings of the Turkish National Antarctic Science Expedition were shared during these events. The planning of the second National Antarctic Scientific Expedition as well as the preparation of the National Polar Science Program have been carried out in coordination with İstanbul Technical University. Within the scope of bilateral cooperation; preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ukraine and Chile have been brought to its final stage. Relevant arrangements concerning the participation of Turkish scientists in international projects during 2017 2018 Antarctic Season have been finalized. Following the first National Antarctic Science Expedition; National Polar Sciences Workshop has been organized, in addition to those organized jointly by Chile and Bulgaria. Although Antarctica is given the priority in terms of polar studies; Arctic studies shall also be carried out within the scope of the National Polar Science Program. 2 3
T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü 2. National Polar Science Program 2.1. The Objectives and Scope of the Program The vision of becoming one of the pioneering countries in the world in terms of polar sciences was adopted during the preparation of the National Polar Science Program (2018 2022). The main objectives under this vision are; Ensuring that national science expeditions are conducted in the continent, Implementing the National Polar Science Program, Promoting bilateral cooperation on polar sciences and ensuring that Turkish scientists are deployed in the scientific bases of other countries, Ensuring that a Turkish Science Base is established in Antarctica. The objective of the National Polar Science Program (2018-2022) is to implement the scientific activities and research on polar sciences with a systematic integrity and project approach. Below mentioned achievements will be accomplished in the medium and long term: Strengthening Turkey s position in terms of the future of Antarctica and Arctic Regions, as well as their preservation, Creating a roadmap for Turkey to become a member of Arctic Council, Enhancing the scientific and technological competencies of the country on this issue by encouraging Turkish scientists to conduct polar research, Promoting human resources competency who work on polar sciences by increasing the number of under graduate, graduate, doctorate and post-doctorate programs, Becoming a member of international organizations working on polar issues and increasing the efficiency of Turkey within such organizations, Creating awareness on global climate change. National Polar Science Program (2018-2022) shall focus on priority research themes, human resources, international collaboration, education, publicity and public access, science expeditions and logistics and Turkish science base. sanayi.gov.tr
ULUSAL KUTUP BİLİM PROGRAMI (2018-2022) 2.2. Duration National Polar Science Program covers 2018-2022 period. The Program shall later be updated and renewed on a 5 year basis. 2.3. Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring and evaluation process of the National Polar Science Program shall be rendered by the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology and the evaluation reports shall be published every six months. 2 3
T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü 3. Priority Research Themes National Polar Science Program consists of four main titles, which shall be executed in harmony with the Working Groups composed under SCAR: Physical Sciences Geosciences Life Sciences Social Sciences and Humanities Physical Sciences shall include research topics which are directly related to Global Climate Change and deal with atmospheric and glacier issues as well as research based on sky surveys. Below mentioned topics will be studied within the scope of physical sciences: Applied Physical Sciences and Innovative Technologies Atmosphere and Climate Research Modelling Studies Kinematic and other monitoring systems Sea Ice Processes Astronomy and Astrophysics Continent of Antarctica, which is one of the vital parts of the earth, holds information that could provide us with valuable insights on the history of the planet. Geodynamic processes, geodesic research and geological studies will be covered under the title Geosciences. Geosciences shall include topics such as: Geodesic studies Geomorphology Volcanology Magmatism and Geodynamics Marine/Lake Geology and Geophysics Glacial Studies sanayi.gov.tr
ULUSAL KUTUP BİLİM PROGRAMI (2018-2022) Structural Geology Geodynamic Modelling Seismology Despite the recent developments on energy, fisheries and biodiversity research on polar regions, there is so much that needs to be explored in terms of the biological resources and ecology in the sea masses surrounding Antarctica and Arctic region. The unprecedented eco-geographic and climatologic structure of the polar regions located in boreal and sub-boreal line have enabled the adaptation and survival of the extreme organisms in the region which have relatively low ecologic tolerance when compared to sub-tropical sea species. Research carried out in such topics will be scrutinized under the title Life Sciences. Below mentioned topics will be selected in that sense: Polar Biodiversity Biochemistry and Biochemical Cycles Biotechnology Ecology and Pollution Studies Medicine Since 2010, Expert Group on Humanities and Social Sciences (within the scope of SCAR) has been carrying out research activities and organizing events on various fields such as geopolitics, environment and tourism. In this scope; subjects to be handled under Social Sciences and Humanities in National Polar Science Program are law, international relations, environment and economy etc. National Polar Science Program also stipulates the preparation of a Roadmap for Turkey s admission to Arctic Council. 2 3
T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü 4. Human Resources There is a growing demand for building specific expertise on variety of science disciplines in order to carry out studies on polar regions. Such specific expertise can only be provided through the adaptation of the curriculum of the universities in Turkey. In this framework; Higher Education Council and the universities must work in close cooperation and add special courses on polar research in curriculum. In addition to this; the Higher Education Council of Turkey and TUBITAK shall attempt to review the existing support programs and ensure that they include priority research themes on polar sciences. Polar scientists must be supported in terms of their participation in international events and their studies in graduate, doctorate, post-doctorate programs. Moreover attempts in the following issues will be initiated; Ensuring that scientists from other countries participate in research projects carried out in Turkey and become visiting professors at universities in Turkey, Through cooperating with national and international institutions; promoting scientists, engineers and researcher to conduct polar research, Supporting Turkish researchers attendance to international conferences, congresses and scientific activities, Providing opportunities to ensure that foreign and Turkish scientists with doctorate who are studying and conducting their research abroad, assigned in Turkey, In order to enhance the access of Turkish scientists in new technologies and expertise; facilitating their recruitment abroad. National Workshop on Polar Sciences will be organized on an annual basis, the scientific projects of Turkish scientists will be evaluated, progresses in priority themes will be covered, the findings and conclusions of scientific expeditions will be assessed and it will provide a basis in the determination of the scientific themes of the next expedition. Turkish scientists publication of scientific articles on international journals (as listed by TUBITAK ) will be promoted. sanayi.gov.tr
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T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü 5. International Cooperation As stipulated in Articles 2 and 3 of the Antarctic Treaty, the basic objective of the international cooperation is to protect the region and conduct research in a more economic and efficient manner. In this context, the Republic of Turkey aims to cooperate with all states on scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. So far, cooperation was conducted with Germany, United States of America, South Korea, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland, Japan, Ukraine, Denmark and Chile. Throughout the National Arctic Scientific Program, continuation of the existing cooperation with the above mentioned countries is planned. Furthermore, within the program s timeline, signing of cooperation agreements with two countries annually is targeted. In order to enhance the research skills and competencies of Turkish scientists and make up for the lack of necessary expertise and experience on these issues; their recruitment in polar scientific bases or polar institutes/departments/organizations of other countries will be encouraged. Moreover it is expected that international cooperation would contribute to the promotion of our country to the status of consultative country. Within international cooperation, following issues are planned: Recruitment of Turkish scientists in foreign countries polar science bases/expeditions, Visits to foreign countries polar institutes/centers, Joint activities with foreign countries, Membership in international organizations and unions, and establishment of exchange/intern programs. Workshops, conferences, symposiums etc. on cooperation with other countries may be organized every year. Moreover, initiatives will be launched for hosting one of the regular meetings of the international organizations in Turkey. Membership procedures in international organizations and unions will be followed. In this context, priority will be given to activities towards accession to COMNAP as an observer member. sanayi.gov.tr
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T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü 6. Education, Publicity and Public Access It is considered that informing the society on polar regions will increase public support on scientific studies. It is also taken into account that motivating children, who are scientists of the future, to explore and informing them on climate change and polar regions at early ages will provide them with the opportunity to make research on these regions in the future. In this context, organizing activities such as trainings, seminars, preparing publications, books/journals, documentary and animation films are planned. As a priority, documentary films will be produced with the support of national channels with a view to increase public understanding for the scientific works and creating institutional memory by recording all procedures. Moreover, promotion and informative materials of activities for printed/ visual and social media will be produced and other necessary work will be conducted. KEDI (Cooperation to Support Trainers for Polar Regions), designed to increase the knowledge and capacity of our trainers, who are responsible for educating the future scientists and transferring this knowledge and capacity to future generations, is a project which aims to include trainers on scientific expeditions to polar regions. Within the project, the aim is to have the trainers on polar scientific expeditions so that they would observe the work of the scientists on the expedition, write their observations on internet blogs, establish voice or visual communication with classes through proper communication instruments, and after the expeditions, share their experiences with their students and other trainers. Within the scope of KEDI, two trainers (at most) shall be sent to polar regions as of 2019. As a priority, the project is planned to be implemented for teachers of the schools under the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education. Guiding the student clubs in the universities for supporting efforts towards increasing awareness studies on polar research is planned. sanayi.gov.tr
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T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü 7. Scientific Expeditions and Logistics It is important to conduct scientific expeditions to the continent of Antarctica in order to promote Turkey s status to the consultative party within the Antarctic Treaty System. In this context, our country plans to continue with conducting scientific expeditions within 5 years, the first of which was organized in 2017. Land and sea based research activities shall be carried out on planned research themes. Moreover, it is planned that the scientific expeditions would contribute to the accomplishment of the feasibility works towards the establishment of the Turkish Science Base, these expeditions will be designed in such a way that both sea and land based studies will be possible. The scientists who will participate in the expeditions will be selected within an open-call method on the basis of certain criteria. The options for building camps in other countries bases under international cooperation programs will be considered until the establishment of the Turkish Science Base. The results of the research conducted during the expeditions will be shared through academic publications and national/international activities after the scientific expeditions. In this framework, the second National Antarctic Scientific Expedition will be organized in the 2017-2018 Antarctic season comprising works both on the sea and in a camp area. By establishing a camp and conducting scientific research; the experts plan to increase their knowledge and experience on specific issues such as the procurement of camp materials, building and management of a camp. Also, this experience will bring advantages in the feasibility, establishment, functioning and management processes of the Turkish Science Base. sanayi.gov.tr
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T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü 8. Turkish Science Base Through the research; the sustainability of scientific data will be ensured, Turkey will maintain its presence in the region, and finally a Turkish Science Base will be established in order to claim the status of a Consultative Party. During the first National Antarctic Scientific Expedition, 4 thousand kilometers were covered, 17 topographical measurements and observations in 38 areas were concluded, samples were collected from 45 points, whereby examinations were made in a measurement area of 2 million square meters, and also a pre-feasibility work was made on possible base areas after the expedition. The plan is to finalize the feasibility work with the Second National Antarctic Scientific Expedition to be organized during the 2017-2018 Antarctic Season and to take the final decision on the establishment of the Turkish Science Base. In this context, the options for building/utilizing joint bases with other countries, which are experienced on polar research, will also be considered. Following the decision on the establishment of the Turkish Science Base, the aim is also to make the plans on the activities towards the establishment and the functioning of the base in 5 years and to initiate the necessary work. sanayi.gov.tr
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T.C. BİLİM SANAYİ VE TEKNOLOJİ BAKANLIĞI Bilim ve Teknoloji Genel Müdürlüğü sanayi.gov.tr