Calls for Polar Research Projects for 2027 (Turkey)

TÜBİTAK has launched the 2027 Polar Research and Polar Foreign Research Base Participation Project Calls to support original scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The programme provides research funding of up to 1,500,000 TL and supports field-based polar studies, international collaboration, and participation in national polar expeditions.

About the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Programme

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) supports polar research projects through its Polar Research and Polar Foreign Research Base Participation Project Calls.

The programme aims to strengthen Türkiye’s role in global polar science by supporting researchers conducting high-quality studies in Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme focuses on:

• Supporting original scientific research in polar regions.
• Encouraging sustainable polar science studies.
• Increasing Türkiye’s contribution to international polar research.
• Supporting participation in national Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
• Strengthening cooperation with international researchers.
• Developing long-term scientific capacity in polar studies.

Focus Areas of Research

Supported projects may address scientific questions related to:

• Arctic and Antarctic environments.
• Climate change impacts.
• Polar ecosystems.
• Biodiversity.
• Earth sciences.
• Atmospheric studies.
• Ocean and marine sciences.
• Environmental sustainability.
• Other scientific disciplines connected to polar regions.

National Polar Expeditions

The programme operates under the coordination of the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Institute (KARE).

Türkiye organizes annual national scientific expeditions to polar regions under the:

• Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.
• TÜBİTAK Polar Research Institute.

These expeditions provide researchers with opportunities to conduct field-based research in challenging polar environments.

Funding Support

For the 2027 calls:

• Scientific Research Budget: Up to 1,500,000 TL.
• Maximum Project Incentive Bonus (PTI): Up to 100,000 TL.
• Institutional Share: No institutional share will be provided.

Funding is intended to support approved scientific research activities related to polar studies.

Expedition Participation Requirements

Projects involving expedition participation must identify:

• One primary expedition participant.
• One reserve participant.

The nominated participants must:

• Be part of the approved project team.
• Include eligible scholarship recipients where applicable.

TÜBİTAK KARE has the authority to decide the final expedition participant.

Participant Selection Process

The expedition participation process includes:

1. Researchers nominate primary and reserve participants during application.
2. TÜBİTAK KARE evaluates participation requirements.
3. Final expedition participants are selected.
4. Changes may be requested after project approval if necessary.

TÜBİTAK KARE may coordinate participant changes with TÜBİTAK ARDEB.

Who Can Participate?

Eligible participants include researchers involved in approved polar research projects.

Project teams may include:

• Principal researchers.
• Scientific researchers.
• Young researchers.
• Scholarship recipients.

International Collaboration Opportunities

The programme encourages:

• Cooperation with international polar researchers.
• Joint scientific activities.
• Knowledge exchange.
• Participation in global polar research networks.

Expected Outcomes

Supported projects are expected to contribute to:

• New scientific discoveries.
• Improved understanding of polar systems.
• International scientific cooperation.
• Türkiye’s research capacity.
• Sustainable approaches to polar exploration.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare research proposals that include:

• Scientific objectives.
• Research methodology.
• Expected contribution to polar science.
• Fieldwork requirements.
• Expedition participation details, if applicable.
• Project budget and implementation plan.

Application Tips

Researchers should:

• Clearly define the scientific question.
• Explain the importance of polar research.
• Highlight innovation and sustainability.
• Demonstrate field research capability.
• Describe international collaboration opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Project Call?

It is a funding programme supporting scientific research projects focused on Arctic and Antarctic regions.

How much funding is available?

Supported projects can receive a scientific research budget of up to 1,500,000 TL.

Can researchers participate in polar expeditions?

Yes. Projects involving expedition participation can nominate team members for Arctic or Antarctic field missions.

Who manages the programme?

The programme is coordinated by the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Institute (KARE) under TÜBİTAK and national polar research initiatives.

Are international collaborations encouraged?

Yes. The programme promotes cooperation with researchers and institutions from other countries.

Is institutional funding provided?

No. The 2027 programme does not provide an institutional share.

Conclusion

The TÜBİTAK Polar Research and Polar Foreign Research Base Participation Project Calls 2027 provide important opportunities for researchers to conduct scientific studies in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. With funding support of up to 1,500,000 TL, the programme strengthens Türkiye’s polar research capacity, encourages international cooperation, and supports innovative field-based scientific discoveries.