Near East University welcomed Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy — one of Türkiye’s foremost polar scientists and a pioneering figure in national Antarctic research — for an event titled “Polar Regions and Climate Change.” Organised in collaboration with the Center of Excellence and NERITA, the seminar brought together academics, university students, high school students, and civil society organisations, transforming the programme into a university-wide and community-focused climate awareness initiative.
Focused Academic Meeting on Polar Science Collaboration
Prior to the seminar, a focused academic meeting was held under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, Director of the Center of Excellence and NERITA. The session brought together representatives from multiple faculties and research centers to explore potential areas of collaboration between Near East University and TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center.
Discussions highlighted the growing importance of long-term climate system monitoring, glacier mass-balance research, biodiversity shifts in extreme environments, microplastic pollution in polar ecosystems, and the development of technological tools suitable for harsh-field scientific operations. This interdisciplinary dialogue laid a strong foundation for joint initiatives, with Near East University preparing to participate in upcoming MAM-led scientific workshops.
A Seminar Integrating Scientific Insight and Public Awareness
During the seminar, Prof. Dr. Özsoy shared compelling observations from her 18 polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. She emphasised that glaciers have already lost a significant portion of their mass—nearly 40 percent—and that seasonal patterns in both regions are now shifting in unprecedented ways. Her presentation outlined accelerating environmental transformations, including rapid Arctic sea-ice decline, structural instability in West Antarctic ice shelves, and the resulting global implications such as sea-level rise and intensified climate feedback processes.
Prof. Dr. Özsoy highlighted that the polar regions embody both urgent risks and exceptional opportunities. While fragile ecosystems and climate-sensitive species face mounting pressure, these regions offer unparalleled value for high-resolution climate modelling and long-term global observation. She also addressed the geopolitical significance of emerging polar routes and underscored that scientific activities in Antarctica continue to operate under a peaceful, collaborative, and internationally governed framework. Emphasising the diplomatic importance of scientific presence, she noted: “Our presence in the field determines our strength at the negotiation table.”
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, the session examined Türkiye’s evolving national polar strategies, its role in scientific diplomacy, and the importance of strengthening domestic research capacity to address the global climate crisis.
Engaging Students and the Wider Community
The event gathered significant interest beyond the university, including participation from high school students and members of outdoor exploration and environmental awareness groups. This diversity broadened the seminar’s impact, reinforcing its role as a community-focused platform for climate understanding. Attendees were particularly engaged by Prof. Dr. Özsoy’s first-hand accounts of polar fieldwork, which illustrated both the scientific challenges and the excitement of conducting research in some of the world’s most extreme environments.
Stressing that human-driven climate change is indisputable, Prof. Dr. Özsoy called attention to individual responsibility—such as reducing carbon footprints and minimising plastic consumption—while also inspiring young researchers to take part in expanding Türkiye’s scientific presence in frontier research areas. The lively discussion continued even after the seminar concluded, demonstrating the strong interest generated among attendees.
By hosting one of the world’s leading polar scientists, Near East University provided a meaningful scientific platform and contributed to strengthening climate awareness across different segments of society. The event reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering international collaboration, and engaging the public on pressing global issues.
About Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy
Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy is a TÜBA Award–winning polar scientist and one of Türkiye’s foremost experts in Antarctic research. After completing her undergraduate studies at Yıldız Technical University, she earned her PhD in the United States and later led Türkiye’s national polar expeditions under the auspices of the Presidency and the Ministry of Industry and Technology. She served as the founding director of İTÜ PolReC (2015) and the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Institute (2019). Throughout her career, she has conducted numerous national and international projects, making significant contributions to the advancement of polar sciences. She currently serves as Vice President of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), a faculty member at Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty, President of TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, Director of the Polar Research Institute, and a member of the Presidential Local Administration and Disaster Policies Council.
