Türkiye completes Arctic mission with climate and space research

Türkiye has successfully completed its sixth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition (TASE-VI), advancing research on climate change, Arctic ecosystems, satellite navigation and space technologies. Conducted under the auspices of the Presidency of Türkiye and coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology through TÜBİTAK KARE's Polar Research Institute, the mission brought together 12 Turkish researchers and three international scientists to carry out 12 multidisciplinary scientific projects across the Arctic region.

Climate and marine ecosystem studies

Sailing as far as 82 degrees north latitude, the research team carried out fieldwork under Türkiye's National Polar Science Strategy, investigating oceanography, biology, meteorology, atmospheric dynamics, chemistry, geodesy and satellite technologies. A major focus of the expedition was measuring the impact of global climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems and glacier-fed coastal environments.

Professor Denizhan Vardar from Istanbul University's Institute of Marine Sciences and Management said researchers documented seabed ecosystems at 28 different locations using underwater imaging technologies. "We are also using underwater robots and drones to identify the distribution of marine organisms and conduct detailed observations in front of glaciers," he said.

Space technologies and satellite positioning

Scientists also expanded research into nanotechnology and space science. Professor Filiz Altay of Istanbul Technical University explained that one project evaluates the stability of laboratory-produced nanomaterials under simulated space conditions, while another examines exosomes extracted from Arctic fish species to better understand cellular communication.

The expedition additionally tested Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies under Arctic conditions. Research assistant Emre Bozdogan of Gebze Technical University said three GNSS receivers continuously collected positioning data beginning in Tromso, Norway. "Our objective is to evaluate different real-time positioning techniques in polar regions and improve uninterrupted navigation capabilities through software developed during the project," he said.

Long-term polar observations

Researchers emphasized that the Svalbard archipelago provides one of the world's most valuable natural laboratories for monitoring climate change because of the interaction between glaciers, freshwater and the Arctic Ocean. Dokuz Eylul University researcher Ozkan Ozel noted that repeating measurements in the same locations over several years would generate critical long-term data on glacier retreat and ecosystem transformation.

The expedition also included a dedicated medical team that monitored participants throughout the mission. Deputy expedition leader Associate Professor Bengusu Mirasoglu said extensive medical screenings and health training conducted before departure helped ensure the expedition was completed without any major health incidents.

Growing role in polar science

The mission also highlighted opportunities for young researchers. Istanbul Technical University geomatics engineering student Murat Curebal joined the expedition after his precision positioning project received TÜBİTAK support. "I have dreamed of working in the polar regions since I started university. I hope this will be the first of many future expeditions," he said.

The successful completion of TASE-VI further strengthens Türkiye's contribution to international Arctic research, while expanding scientific knowledge in climate science, marine biology, satellite navigation and emerging space technologies.