Middle East Technical University’s (METU) EU-funded ERC project DeepTrace, which investigates tracers of habitability in oceanic worlds by tracking metals mobilized via nanoparticles in deep-sea environments, was introduced to a wide audience at TEKNOFEST, Turkey’s largest aerospace and technology festival.

Organized in collaboration with numerous institutions, TEKNOFEST plays a critical role in advancing Turkey’s national technology ecosystem. TEKNOFEST İstanbul was held between 17–21 September 2025 at İstanbul Atatürk Airport, attracting 1,503,000 visitors over the course of 4 days. The festival brought together national media representatives, decision-makers, research institutions, and the public of all ages.

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DeepTrace was among the projects showcased at the festival, with a dedicated exhibition that brought deep-sea habitats and hydrothermal vent systems to life. Through the From Deep Sea to Space Hands-On Exhibition, we created, designed, and hand-built a one-of-a-kind, real-world replica of a deep-sea ecosystem from the Pacific Ocean. The installation specifically simulated the East Pacific Rise 9°N study site, a region renowned for its iconic hydrothermal vent fauna, including chemosynthetic tubeworms (Riftia pachyptila) and towering black smoker chimneys. The large-scale, highly realistic setup featured smoking hydrothermal vents and a “submersible window” complete with a robotic arm, immersing visitors in the experience of a deep-sea expedition.

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Visitors of all ages were drawn to the exhibit. Many eagerly took control of the robotic arm to “collect” samples while listening to first-hand stories from our recent deep-sea dives. The exhibit transformed complex deep-ocean science into a tangible, playful, and memorable experience, fostering curiosity and dialogue across generations.

 

During his visit, METU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil emphasized the scientific importance of deep-ocean research:
“There are still many unexplored regions in the world, and one of the most important of these is the deep ocean. The depths of the oceans are crucial for understanding the origins of life in the universe. Data obtained from depths of 2,500–3,000 meters can provide insights that help us better comprehend the cosmos.”

Prof. Dr. Yozgatlıgil also underlined that METU’s deep-sea research efforts are as strategically significant as Turkey’s space missions:
“Just as Turkey’s space missions with its two astronauts are of great importance, METU’s research conducted at depths of two and a half kilometers in the ocean is equally significant. Academics and students from the METU Institute of Marine Sciences are carrying out this pioneering work under the METU brand, gaining invaluable scientific experience.”

The DeepTrace presentation at TEKNOFEST highlighted METU’s leading role in exploring some of science’s most exciting frontiers, where marine science, astrobiology, and advanced technologies come together. By bringing deep-ocean research to one of Turkey’s largest technology platforms, the project also showcased the energy and curiosity of early-career researchers who are helping shape the country’s future in both ocean and space sciences.