Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK MAM and a member of the Presidential Board of Local Government and Disaster Policies, also known as the Polar Explorer, highlighted the melting glaciers and the global climate crisis at a seminar held at Near East University, one of the world’s top 500 universities.
Global climate change and the rapid transformation of the polar regions are among the top priorities on the scientific agenda. Near East University, ranked among the world’s top 500 universities, hosted Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK MAM and a member of the Presidential Board of Local Government and Disaster Policies, also known as the Polar Explorer. The “Poles and Climate Change” event, organized in collaboration with the Near East University Center of Excellence and the Near East Research Innovation and Technology Area (NERITA), was well-attended.
Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, a figure who has conducted 18 scientific research expeditions to the poles, shared her knowledge and experiences with the participants. The event, held at the Near East University Irfan Günsel Congress Center, was moderated by Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, President of the Center of Excellence.
The program also addressed strategic goals such as increasing the quantity and quality of Turkey’s national polar science outputs, achieving scientific excellence, strengthening its position in international organizations and networks, increasing the interaction of polar science with all segments of society, and ensuring the sustainability of national polar research. Prof. Dr. Özsoy, who shared both her field observations as a polar explorer and Turkey’s strategic goals in polar science, noted that approximately 40 percent of the glaciers have melted, saying, “This presents both challenges and opportunities. The seasons are no longer what they used to be; summers are much more severe, and winter is almost nonexistent.” Participants had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of polar ecosystems and climate science through Prof. Dr. Özsoy’s presentation, enriched with comprehensive data and examples.
“Antarctica is a fascinating place with its breathtaking scenery and untouched nature.”
Emphasizing Antarctica’s special status and the importance of scientific cooperation, Prof. Dr. Özsoy said, “Antarctica belongs to no country; there has been no war or bloodshed over this landmass. Seven countries currently claim rights, but all research is conducted within a peaceful and scientific framework. The stronger you are in the field, the stronger you are at the negotiating table.”
Prof. Dr. Özsoy also described the research environments and field conditions, saying, “It takes three days to reach Antarctica. There is no light pollution, which provides an excellent platform for research. We have carried out 135 projects in the last 10 years, providing an incredibly wide range of benefits in terms of scientific diplomacy.” Offering a message to young researchers, Prof. Dr. Özsoy said, “I went to the poles in my 30s with the resources of another country, but we have taken many young researchers with us on subsequent expeditions. It is very important to give them opportunities.”
Emphasizing that climate change is human-induced, Prof. Dr. Özsoy said, “We’ve seen temperatures as high as 19 degrees Celsius and as low as -20. We, humans, are responsible for the melting of the Antarctic glaciers. Carbon footprints are the biggest problem. In addition to individual measures, the commitment of all countries to zero out their carbon footprints by 2050 is critical. Individual recycling and reducing plastic use are also crucial.” Prof. Dr. Özsoy also touched on the challenging conditions in the field, saying, “The environments are very dangerous, all participants undergo extensive training. Tourists, on the other hand, are guided through the journey step by step. Antarctica is a fascinating place with its breathtaking scenery and untouched nature. Even if you decide not to go one day, you want to go again soon after you return.”
Who is Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy?
Born in Gaziantep, Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy completed her doctorate in the United States after graduating from Yıldız Technical University. Özsoy, who led Turkey’s polar expeditions under the auspices of the Presidency and under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, is a TÜBA award-winning scientist. She assumed the founding directorship of ITU PolReC in 2015 and the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Institute in 2019. He has led numerous national and international projects, undertaking pioneering work in the field of polar sciences.
Today, Prof. Dr. Özsoy serves as Vice President of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), a faculty member at the ITU Maritime Faculty, President of the TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, and Director of the Polar Institute. She is also a member of the Presidential Local Government and Disaster Policies Board.
