The 41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly will be held in İstanbul, which bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. The city has been the capital of three great empires (the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman) and the world was ruled from here by over 120 emperors and sultans for more than 1600 years. Surrounded by 5th century Roman city walls and stretching over seven hills, Istanbul is adorned by the masterpieces of Turkish art, the great mosques of the Sultans that crown the hills. The city presents an exquisite, majestic and serene silhouette from all directions.
İstanbul Congress Center, where the 41st Assembly will take place, is in the Taksim district which is located in the European part of İstanbul. Taksim is a main transportation hub and a popular destination for both tourists and the native population of Istanbul. İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), a long pedestrian shopping street, ends at this square, and a nostalgic tram runs from the square along the avenue, ending near the Tünel (1875) which is the world’s second-oldest subway line. The congress center is, in short, located in a very pleasant and historic part of the city which offers, among other attractions, many restaurants which Assembly participants will certainly wish to try for lunch or dinner.
Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee
Assoc. Prof. Lokman Kuzu, Director, TUBITAK UZAY, the Aeronautics and Space Institute of TUBITAK
“If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”
Napoleon Bonaparte
Hello! I’m Dr. Lokman Kuzu, Director of TUBITAK UZAY, the Aeronautics and Space Institute of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). TUBITAK UZAY is the host organization of COSPAR 2016. I’d like to warmly invite the scientific community to visit Istanbul for the 41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly in July 2016!
How fitting that Istanbul, the city that united people of three continents, will host an assembly to discuss the one most unifying aspect of humanity; the notion that we are all passengers upon this vessel traversing the cosmos. For the benefit of all humanity we must better understand our planet and the Universe. I hope this assembly will provide a fertile medium for such collaboration.
Though Turkey is newer to space research and technology than others, we are already famous in other realms. Notably, our hospitality; irrespective of ethnicity or creed, the people of Turkey are known for it. The people of Turkey join me in welcoming the scientists and researchers whose work helps humanity understand our universe and protect our planet.
As no visit to Istanbul would be acceptable without sightseeing, we have organized an interesting social program including tours of the Bosphorus and other sights. For instance, among activities for which participants may opt to register will be a comprehensive tour highlighting the ancient fortifications, palaces, mosques, and churches that line the historic waterway.
Istanbul, at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, founded in the seventh century BC, is now a modern metropolis with a population exceeding 15 million. It has a rich historic and cultural heritage. It also contains some of the most important structures in history such as the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapı Palace. Istanbul also has the first university of Turkey, Istanbul University, founded in 1453.
However, Istanbul isn’t just about history. There is plenty to do. One can dine on the shores of the Bosphorus or shop in Europe’s largest malls. Within an hour one can also be lounging on the beaches of the Mediterranean or spear fishing the reefs of the Black Sea.
We’re certain that Istanbul will do its reputation justice.
With regards to the host of COSPAR 2016, TUBITAK is a national agency founded to develop the science and technology policies of Turkey. It was established in 1963 with a mission to advance science and technology. The Council is an autonomous institution and is governed by a Scientific Board, whose members are selected from prominent scholars from universities, industry and research institutions.
TUBITAK funds research projects carried out in universities and other public and private organizations, conducts research in strategic fields, develops support programs for the public and private sector, publishes scientific journals, popular science magazines and books, and organizes science and society activities, and supports undergraduate and graduate students through scholarships. More than 2000 researchers work in 15 different research institutes.
TUBITAK has represented Turkey in COSPAR since 1996.
TUBITAK UZAY (SPACE) is one of the R&D institutes of TUBITAK that specializes in space technologies and related fields. The institute leads and takes part in R&D projects, playing a pioneering role in the national research community and assisting industry in solving technical problems. TUBITAK UZAY, involved in satellite production since 2002, has acquired the required capability and developed the facilities to produce satellite systems. Namely, RASAT and GOKTURK-2 are respectively, the first and second indigenous remote sensing satellites of Turkey.
Another TUBITAK institute of note for COSPAR is TUG. TUBITAK TUG is the National Observatory. Located at 2,000 m above sea level, in the Taurus Mountains, its suite of telescopes are proving to be a valuable national asset.
Finally, let me reiterate that I welcome all researchers and specialists in space research and exploration to participate in the 41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Turkey’s historical capital!
Looking forward to seeing you in Istanbul.
Doc. Dr. Lokman Kuzu
Director, TUBITAK Aeronautics and Space Institute
Director, TUBITAK UZAY
key dates
abstract submission deadline
12 February 2016
early registration date
31 May 2016
late registration date
20 July 2016
on-site registration date
29 July 2016
