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ANTARCTICA - FEBRUARY 12: Turkish scientists from a range of fields -- including biology, the marine sciences, polar biodiversity and ecology -- are conducting extensive studies in Antarctica on February 12, 2019. Interviews with Assist. Prof. Sevil Deniz Yakan Dundar from the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Assist. Prof. Burak Karacik from ITU Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Prof. Dr. Sedat Serce from Nigde Omer Halisdemir University Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, marine biologist Dr. Selahattin Unsal Karhan and Ersan Basar, a marine scientist from Trabzon’s Karadeniz Technical University. Turkish scientists from a range of fields -- including biology, the marine sciences, polar biodiversity and ecology -- are conducting extensive studies in Antarctica. Within the context of ongoing research projects on the world’s coldest continent, scientists have collected numerous samples of local flora and fauna. “These samples will eventually be taken back to Turkey for analysis,� Ersan Basar, a marine scientist from Trabzon’s Karadeniz Technical University, told Anadolu Agency. “Any findings that these samples yield will contribute to our ongoing scientific research,� he said. In 2015, Istanbul Technical University (ITU) established the Polar Research Center with the aim of conducting research and raising Turkey's scientific profile. The scientists are studying Antarctica’s ecosystem as part of Turkey’s Third National Antarctic Science Expedition, which enjoys the support of the Turkish Presidency, the Industry and Technology Ministry, the ITU’s Polar Research Center, and eight other Turkish universities. Setting out from Antarctica’s King George Island and passing through the Strait of Gerlache and the Lemaire Canal, the Turkish team eventually arrived at Horseshoe Island, where they set up a research camp. (Footage by Servet Ulku/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)