Istanbul Technical University Polar Research Center

A group of Turkish scientists has embarked on the eighth Antarctic expedition from Istanbul.

The team, consisting of a 20-member scientific delegation and three high school students, will first set off for Sao Paulo, Brazil, and reach Antarctica's King George Island after a long journey.

A Turkish team has departed for Antarctica to conduct scientific research as part of the country's sixth expedition in Earth's southernmost continent.

Hasan Mandal, the head of Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), expedition coordinator Burcu Özsoy and researchers from MAM Pole Research Institute bid farewell to the expedition team from Istanbul Airport.

Over the years, Turkish scientists have undertaken numerous studies and expeditions to both Antarctica and the Arctic in a bid to make the country a polar power.

A Turkish research team is set to depart for 4th National Antarctic Science Expedition from Istanbul on Feb. 9, the industry and technology minister said on Jan. 29.

"Scientists who will carry out 15 projects in various fields such as earth and marine sciences, biology, chemistry, aerospace, and social sciences, are joining the journey," Mustafa Varank said.

A Turkish team plans to expand the number of its researchers for its Antarctica mission during its next visit to the remote continent in December this year, according to the leader of a team of Turkish scientists.        

A group of Turkish scientists will travel to Antarctica in the near future to establish a Turkish base for scientific research, the head of the first Turkish polar research center has said, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Feb. 20.