9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition (TAE-IX)

The 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition (TAE-IX) is a scientific research mission conducted under the auspices of the Presidency of Türkiye, overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and coordinated by the Polar Research Institute of TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM). The expedition aims to continue Türkiye's scientific studies in Antarctica. It began on February 6, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on March 12, 2025.

9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition Team, February 14, 2025, Antarctica - Anadolu Agency

Objective and Scope

The primary goal of the expedition is to conduct scientific research in Antarctica and enhance Türkiye’s international collaboration in polar studies. A 20-member team, consisting of 16 Turkish and 4 foreign researchers, is carrying out various scientific projects based at Türkiye's Scientific Research Camp on Horseshoe Island. The expedition involves 19 projects across multiple scientific fields, including:

• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Environmental chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Geodesy
• Climate change
• Atmospheric research
• Marine mapping
• Oceanography
• Seismic observations

Additionally, three high school students who ranked in the TÜBİTAK 2204-C Polar Research Projects Competition have joined the expedition, gaining the opportunity to test their projects in Antarctica.

Preparation Process

Before the expedition, the scientific team underwent an extensive three-day training program at Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty, covering firefighting, survival at sea, basic first aid and environmental regulations. The team also received theoretical and practical training to adapt to polar conditions and comply with the Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol.

An image from the training of the 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition team, January 31, 2025 - Anadolu Agency

Expedition Start and Journey

The expedition team departed from Istanbul Airport on February 6, 2025, following a farewell ceremony. After a 60-hour journey, they arrived at King George Island. The travel route included stops in Brazil and Chile, covering a total distance of 14,000 kilometers. From King George Island, the team traveled by ship to Dismal Island and then to Horseshoe Island, where the research is being conducted.

To protect the Antarctic ecosystem, all expedition equipment was disinfected before arrival. The team also cleaned their footwear with special solutions to prevent the introduction of foreign organisms to the continent.

Scientific and Technological Studies

The expedition focuses on research in the following fields:

• Climate and Atmospheric Observations: Maintenance of Türkiye’s satellite and meteorological stations in Antarctica and data collection for atmospheric research.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Studies: Microbiological and ecological research, along with environmental chemistry analyses.
• Geodesy and Seismic Measurements: Investigation of Antarctic seismic activity and geological structures.
• Marine Mapping and Oceanography: Turkish scientists conduct marine mapping and oceanographic measurements, collecting data on ocean currents and water chemistry.
• Technological Tests:
• • ASELSAN-developed radios and relay stations are being tested for communication efficiency.
  • TÜBİTAK SAGE’s thermal battery is undergoing trials under Antarctic conditions.

Scientific Diplomacy and International Collaborations

During the expedition, the Turkish scientific team visited several international research bases, including:

• South Korea’s King Sejong Station
• Brazil’s Comandante Ferraz Station
• Ecuador’s Pedro Vicente Maldonado Base

These visits facilitated knowledge exchange with international scientists, observation of ongoing research, and assessment of logistical cooperation opportunities.

Additionally, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Ecuador, a ceremony was held at the Pedro Vicente Maldonado Base. The flags of both countries were raised, and gifts were exchanged.

Furthermore, Türkiye and Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on scientific and logistical cooperation in polar research. This agreement was signed between TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute and Malaysia’s Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation (YPASM) as part of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Malaysia. The MoU was signed by Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır.

9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition Team, February 14, 2025, Antarctica - Anadolu Agency

Turkish Scientific Research Base Project

As part of the expedition, preliminary preparations are underway for the establishment of Türkiye’s Scientific Research Base on Horseshoe Island. This base aims to strengthen and establish Türkiye’s permanent scientific presence in Antarctica.

Previous Expeditions and Türkiye’s Antarctic Research

Since 2017, Türkiye has conducted National Antarctic Scientific Expeditions, including:

• 8 Antarctic and 4 Arctic expeditions, totaling 12 missions.
• Nearly 200 Turkish scientists have completed over 100 projects in polar conditions.
• 243 scientific publications and 40 graduate theses have been produced.

Türkiye has also completed the full membership process for the European Polar Board (EPB), the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP). Additionally, Türkiye is a signatory to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

Completion of the Expedition

The expedition team is scheduled to return to Türkiye on March 12, 2025, after completing their research. The collected scientific data will be analyzed to contribute to academic studies on the Antarctic ecosystem, climate change, and polar research.