Shaping the Future of Turkish Polar Research Activities: Organizational Priorities

This study aims to identify the key organizational priorities for a Polar Research Institute in Türkiye, employing the Analytic Network Process (ANP) as a decision-support tool. Through a survey of experts, this study gathers insights on various relevant criteria to inform the institute's strategic focus. The analysis highlights that scientific research should be the central mission of the Polar Research Institute, supported by strong logistical infrastructure. Additionally, the findings emphasize the critical importance of postgraduate programs as a key human resource first degree sub-criteria for advancing polar research. Based on these results, the study proposes essential considerations for the future development of the Institute’s organizational design, ensuring that it effectively supports the strategic research goals of Türkiye’s Polar Program. Scientific research in the polar regions has much to say globally about the past, present, and future-especially climate change. While the first Turkish researcher conducted studies in Antarctica in 1967, it was not until 2017, during the Turkish Presidency, that the formal National Polar Research Program was established. While priority research areas are outlined in the program’s strategy document, the organizational structure of the Polar Research Institute has not yet been fully aligned with these priorities.