Ulusal Kutup Bilim Stratejisi 2023-2035 (The 2023-2035 Turkish Polar Science Strategy)

The first draft of this strategy document was prepared by compiling the data obtained from the researchers. The draft version was opened to the evaluation of stakeholders with a presentation made on November 30, 2022, at the 6th Turkish Polar Science Symposium, where more than 1,000 participants from the polar research ecosystem were hosted. The document was then developed in light of the feedback received during the presentation. For the final form of the strategy, it was deemed appropriate to conduct another stakeholder evaluation, and the document was shared with relevant institutions and organizations. As a result of the evaluations obtained from the feedback of the relevant institutions and organizations, the strategy document has taken its current final form.

From 2023 onwards, the Turkish Polar Science Strategy has the aims of guiding the activities of relevant stakeholders, particularly the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) Marmara Research Center (MAM) Polar Research Institute, drawing attention to the main priorities for issues awaiting resolution and challenges in national and international polar research studies, as well as informing all national and international stakeholders. 

The momentum gained from national expeditions has significantly increased polar research studies in Türkiye, enhancing the country’s experience in globally urgent issues, especially climate change. The steps taken in this way contribute to a more sustainable Türkiye and the world environment, thus becoming an element of looking to the future with confidence and increasing the public interest.

The mission and vision of the strategy prepared for the polar research to be carried out between 2023-2035 have been determined as follows;

• Mission: To consistently develop scientific research and science diplomacy activities with a governance-based approach in order to strengthen a sustainable world, which is the common vision of humanity, through polar research.
• Vision: To be among the leading countries in polar research with its unique scientific studies that draw its strength from its well-equipped infrastructure, expert manpower, and cooperation network.

The values that will differentiate Turkish polar research and gain competitiveness have been identified as being Responsive, Original, and Collaborative. The primary scientific themes that shape the direction of the studies are determined below;

• Global Climate Change
• Ecosystems Under Threat
• Anthropogenic Impacts and Social Systems
• Understanding the Past, Predicting the Future
• A Look into Space

Three strategic aims have been defined in the period up to 2035;

• To achieve scientific excellence in this field by increasing the quantity and quality of national polar science outputs, thereby strengthening Türkiye’s position in scientific international organizations and networks.
• To increase awareness, understanding, and knowledge on polar regions and global climate change by increasing the interaction of polar research and society.
• To ensure the sustainability of national polar research

At the same time, performance indicators have been identified to annually track the effectiveness of national polar research during the specified period.