Exciting news from the world of scientific research! A distinguished Turkish scientist, Prof. Dr. Orhan Ince has been selected to participate in the TerrArctic Research Project, supported by a significant grant from the government of the Tyumen Region!

The TerrArctic research project is focused on achieving sustainable land use in the Arctic amidst global natural changes, emphasizing the stability of both natural and anthropogenic factors. The project is set to be carried out at Tyumen State University (UTMN) from 2020 to 2024, funded by a mega-grant from the Tyumen Regional Government. It will take place under the auspices of the West Siberian Interregional REC of the Tyumen Region, encompassing the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra and the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

The project will proceed under the supervision of eminent scientist Yakov Kuzyakov from the University of Göttingen, Germany, at the Research Institute of Ecology and Rational Use of Natural Resources. The Laboratory of Soil Science and Isotope Biogeochemistry has acquired scientific equipment for environmental biogeochemistry research and has conducted specialist training. 

The TerrArctic project will see a significant advancement in 2024 with Professor Orhan Ince joining as the lead scientist. As the Head of the Microbial Ecology Research Group and Director of the EnviroBioTech+ Program at Istanbul University of Technology, Professor Ince brings a wealth of experience in applying engineering solutions with new technologies to enhance environmental quality, commercialize scientific findings in environmental regulation, and rehabilitate disrupted ecosystems and water bodies. Recently, he has been recognized as one of the top 1% of leading scientists globally in the Stanford ranking.

During the visit, a meeting took place with UTMN colleagues. Andrey Tolstikov, the First Vice-Rector; Andrey Soromotin, Director of the Research Institute of Ecology and Rational Use of Natural Resources at UTMN; and Roman Latyntsev, Coordinator of International Scientific Programs at the Institute of Ecological and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO) of UTMN, were present. Professor Ince spent two weeks familiarizing himself with UTMN's potential research laboratories, aiming not only to advance the TerrArctic project but also to initiate several new joint ventures with ITU, the world's third oldest engineering university established in 1773.

The collaboration with ITU was initiated following a delegation visit to Turkey, led by UTMN Rector Ivan Romanchuk in October 2021. At the meeting with Ismail Koyuncu, rector of the partner university, they discussed plans for executing scientific and technological projects. They also considered joint research initiatives for various regions, including the Arctic. Consequently, Professor Ince was appointed as the coordinator of the agreement, facilitating cooperation between the two universities and exploring opportunities for collaborative projects.

Ivan Romanchuk, the Rector of UTMN, states: "The latest phase of collaboration with the premier technical university of the Republic of Turkey will enable UTMN to engage deeply with research groups. This collaboration is expected to generate a synergistic effect in the quest for the most efficient solutions in the field of engineering ecology. The West Siberian Scientific and Educational Center has been recognized for operating at a high international standard, and the growth of global partnerships through REC mega-grants further confirms this."

The TerrArctic project is anticipated to yield analyses of the main soil types in the subarctic and Arctic zones of Western Siberia for their carbon sequestration potential, as well as assessments of pyrogenic carbon intake by these soils following landscape fires. Additionally, it will propose technologies for the biological reclamation of degraded Arctic lands.

For more information, please refer to the following source,
Leading Scientist from Turkey to Participate in TerrArctic Regional Mega-Grant

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By ABD, 29 Jun, 2024