Türkiye's Science Diplomacy in The Polar Regions

Science diplomacy aims to increase international cooperation and support scientific research by science in diplomatic relations. The regions where science diplomacy is most clearly applied and where international agreements encourage peaceful and science-based cooperation are the polar regions, particularly Antarctica. Türkiye has strengthened its scientific presence in these regions in recent years by using science diplomacy. The development of the Turkish polar program gained momentum with the establishment of the Polar Research Center (PolReC) at İstanbul Technical University (İTÜ) in 2015. A scientific research camp was established on Horseshoe Island (West Antarctic Peninsula) in 2019, along with an automatic meteorological station. Türkiye's scientific contributions in the polar regions are funded by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK). Thanks to the support provided to scientific projects, a 75% increase was observed in scientific outputs on polar sciences between 2016 and 2022. In addition, joint studies were carried out with scientists from different countries. Science diplomacy in Antarctica is a tool that strengthens not only scientific activities but also international cooperation. In this context, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with different countries to encourage the exchange of information and joint research in polar regions. This also contributed to the goals of the Antarctic Treaty with its work in the field of environmental protection. As a result, Türkiye's science diplomacy in the polar regions increases international cooperation and provides an important platform in the fields of environmental protection and scientific research.