TEKNOFEST High School Students Climate Change Research Projects Competition

TEKNOFEST High School Students Climate Change Research Projects Competition is a national scientific competition aimed at increasing awareness among high school students in Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus about climate change, encouraging them to develop solutions for the sustainable use of natural resources, and fostering societal awareness on this issue. The competition is organized under the coordination of Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) as part of the TEKNOFEST Aviation, Space and Technology Festival.

TEKNOFEST High School Students Climate Change Research Projects Competition (Photo: T3 Foundation)

Aim and Vision

The primary aim of the competition is to encourage young individuals to approach the impacts of climate change in today’s world with scientific sensitivity and to cultivate them into conscious, solution-oriented individuals regarding environmental issues. In this context, students are supported in developing sustainable solutions to the climate crisis through both individual and team-based work. The competition also seeks to integrate environmental and scientific innovation under the umbrella of the Technology Initiative, aiming to enable young people to contribute to a future shaped by science and technology.

Eligibility Criteria

All high school students enrolled in official and private secondary education institutions in Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus may participate. Each student may submit only one project. A maximum of three students may collaborate on a single project.

Main and Subfields

The competition is structured across six fields, in alignment with the multidimensional nature of climate change:

1. Environment
2. Economic Sectors
3. Atmosphere and Climate
4. Water Research
5. Sustainability and Welfare
6. Social Awareness

Evaluation Process

First Stage Evaluation (Preliminary Review)

Project files submitted by participants are evaluated by expert panels appointed by TÜBİTAK based on scientific criteria.

Second Stage Evaluation (Final Exhibition)

Projects selected for the final round are assessed in two stages: a live demonstration and an oral presentation. During this phase, students’ presentation skills, ability to articulate their projects, and scientific rigor are taken into account.

TEKNOFEST High School Students Climate Change Research Projects Competition (Photo: T3 Foundation)

Benefits for Participants

This competition contributes to the development of 21st century skills among students, including problem solving, research, teamwork, presentation, and project management. Additionally, students have the opportunity to develop scientific approaches to environmental issues within their own project groups and generate potential solutions that can contribute to Türkiye’s environmental policies within the framework of the National Technology Initiative.

Significance of the Competition

The TEKNOFEST High School Students Climate Change Research Projects Competition is a platform that supports the development of young individuals into environmentally conscious, scientifically grounded, and socially oriented citizens. Through this competition, students not only become more aware of climate change but also gain the opportunity to become active participants in finding solutions.