TEKNOFEST High School Students Polar Research Projects Competition

TEKNOFEST High School Students Polar Projects Competition is a national scientific competition designed to encourage high school students in Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to engage in polar science research in the Antarctic and Arctic regions. The competition is organized to enhance Türkiye’s capacity in scientific research, particularly in polar studies, and to foster interest in this field among younger generations. The competition is implemented under the coordination and leadership of TÜBİTAK and TEKNOFEST.

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

Aim and Vision

The primary aim of the competition is to enable high school students to conduct scientific research on polar regions, thereby enhancing their competencies in this field and nurturing them as future innovators. Through this initiative, Türkiye seeks to increase its visibility in polar science and position itself among leading nations in the international scientific community in the future. The competition also contributes to the development of qualified individuals oriented toward science and technology, as part of the TEKNOFEST Vision.

Scientific Fields and Thematic Scope

The competition is structured around four scientific fields and their associated thematic topics:

• Life Sciences: Terrestrial and marine ecosystems, birds, marine pollution, human health
• Physical Sciences: Meteorology, climate, atmosphere and space, oceanography, cryosphere, innovative technologies and observation systems
• Social and Human Sciences: Governance of polar regions, cultural studies
• Earth Sciences: Marine/lake geology and geophysics, space-based systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), lithosphere.

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

Evaluation Process

The competition follows a two-phase evaluation system:

1. Phase One – Preliminary Review
2. Phase Two – Final Evaluation

Educational and Personal Development Impact

The competition provides students with the opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge acquired in school with real-world problems. Participants develop a wide range of skills including reading, writing, research, statistics, logic, programming, graphic design, scientific communication, presentation skills and defense before an audience. Additionally, the competition fosters competencies such as self-reliance, problem-solving, teamwork and creativity. By the end of the competition, students emerge as confident, inquisitive, innovative individuals with the potential to become tomorrow’s scientists. In this regard, the TEKNOFEST Polar Research Projects Competition is not merely a contest but a youth movement that directly contributes to Türkiye’s vision of scientific and technological advancement.

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