Researchers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia are scheduled to collaborate with Turkish scientists at the Biodiversity Science Museum, located within the Atatürk University Biodiversity Application and Research Centre, for a period of 45 days.

Within the scope of the research project entitled "Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Museum-Exhibition Applications and Prototype Researches," which is funded by the "TÜBİTAK-BİDEB 2221 Guest Scientist Support Programme" and Atatürk University, a team of five scientists from the United States, United Kingdom, and Russia will be conducting research at the Biodiversity Science Museum.

45 days of research at the Science Museum

A team of esteemed researchers, including Dr. Alexander Konstantinov from the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, USA, Dr. Sci. Chris Lyal from the UK Natural History Museum, Dr. Sci. Boris Korotyaev and Sci. Prof. Dr. Vladimir Dorofeev from the Institute of Botany, and Prof. Dr. Levent Gültekin, project manager of the Biodiversity Science Museum, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neslihan Gültekin from the project team, will be conducting a comprehensive investigation into nature and taxonomic research on biodiversity over a period of 45 days.

Within this particular framework, the visiting scientists engaged in a discourse with Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, Rector of Atatürk University, wherein they expounded upon their respective research endeavors. Taxonomist scientists have reported the identification of two previously unknown species within the Atraphaxis plant in the Aras Valley of Kağızman district, Kars. These findings were made possible through a combination of field research and examination of collected specimens. As a result, the scientific community has expanded its knowledge of species and genera in the world literature.

The newly discovered species will be designated as 'Larinus atauni'.

The newly discovered species, which will be assigned local names, will be promptly incorporated into scientific knowledge, with their representative specimens being housed in the Biodiversity Science Museum. According to researchers, the assessment of a museum's prestige is determined by the quantity and diversity of its collections. In this context, it is worth noting that Prof. Dr. Levent Gültekin recently designated a novel species as Larinus atauni, thereby paying homage to the institution's name. The scientists assert that Turkey possesses a high level of species richness, making it one of the most biologically diverse regions globally. Consequently, they argue that the establishment of the Biodiversity Science Museum is a crucial and appropriate measure. This initiative aims to facilitate the discovery and identification of species, as well as the dissemination of information to society, with the ultimate goal of conserving biodiversity. The guest scientists expressed their gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. Çomaklı for his significant contribution to the museum project.

The Rector Çomaklı: "We made our dream come true."

The Rector, Professor Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, expressed gratitude to the visitors and emphasized the university's continuous willingness to welcome researchers from different scientific institutions worldwide. He further emphasized the university's commitment to providing the essential support for any research endeavors that contribute to the advancement of the scientific and academic community. Professor Dr. Çomaklı expressed his aspiration to establish the Biodiversity Science Museum at Atatürk University, highlighting its significance in serving the community. He expressed his satisfaction in successfully realizing this long-standing ambition.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE - 12.07.2023