Ankara has become an important destination for nature lovers who want to explore Türkiye's biodiversity. Located at Hacettepe University, the Biodiversity Museum, also known as the Biosphere Museum, is the largest and most comprehensive biodiversity museum in Türkiye. Opened on May 22, 2023, the museum welcomed over 50,000 visitors in a short period, despite being open only four days a week. As of October, group reservations for the Biosphere Museum are fully booked until the end of January 2025, indicating its growing popularity.
Coordinator Şenay Boyraz Topaloğlu shared the following information about the Biosphere Museum:
Biosphere Museum: A Center Strengthening Hacettepe University's Social Contribution Activities
In addition to its academic achievements, Hacettepe University is also known for its contributions to society. One of the most important components of this contribution is the Biosphere Museum, which plays an important role in supporting the university's social contribution activities. The museum not only focuses on natural sciences but also aims to create awareness and environmental consciousness among different segments of society. With its mission to research, exhibit, and protect biodiversity, the museum serves as an important platform to extend the university's contributions to a wider audience. Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Education
The Biosphere Museum raises awareness about the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. Through exhibits, workshops, and interactive educational programs, the museum instills an appreciation for nature in participants of all ages. These activities are particularly important in fostering environmental stewardship in children and youth at an early age. While fulfilling the university's social responsibility to protect the environment, the museum also provides education on sustainability and promotes environmental awareness among various segments of society. By directly supporting the university's environmental policy and sustainability goals, the Biosphere Museum plays an important role.
Sharing Scientific Knowledge with The Community
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms and ecosystems at all levels of existence. This diversity is essential to sustaining life from plants to animals, microorganisms to ecosystems. The museum presents this richness with a special focus on the biological wealth of Türkiye. As a result, the Biosphere Museum has been nominated as the most important component of Türkiye's Natural History Museum. It significantly supports Hacettepe University's mission to share scientific knowledge with the public. The museum effectively communicates the university's research in systematics, genetics, geology, ecology, and environmental sciences to a wide audience, facilitating a connection between science and society. Scientific events, conferences, and nature-themed exhibitions organized by the museum present scientific knowledge in a way that the public can understand and apply, thereby strengthening the interaction between science and society.
A Bridge Between Research and Society
Universities produce knowledge and conduct research to address various social issues. The Biosphere Museum acts as an important bridge between the university's scientific research and the public by presenting these findings to the public. Scientific studies on ecosystem research and the conservation of rare species are communicated to the general public through the museum, fostering a strong connection between scientists and society.
Serving Society Through Educational Activities
Hacettepe University aims to make education accessible to people of all ages as part of its social contribution activities. One of the main objectives of the Museum's mission of education and awareness is to provide education on biodiversity to people of all ages and to raise awareness. Visitors gain in-depth knowledge of biodiversity and its indispensable role in human life, while learning about conservation and sustainability. In this sense, the museum is on its way to becoming an important educational center for both children and adults. The Biosphere Museum invites nature lovers and biodiversity enthusiasts to explore this richness and raise awareness for conservation.
Supporting Social Responsibility Projects
The Biosphere Museum also stands out as a center that supports Hacettepe University's social responsibility projects. The museum collaborates with public and civil society organizations to carry out projects that raise awareness about nature conservation and the sustainability of biodiversity. These projects extend the university's social responsibility efforts to a broader impact area and contribute to significant steps in nature conservation at both local and national levels.
Strengthening University-Community Collaboration
The museum's activities are designed to strengthen the bond between the university and the community. Organized events facilitate the sharing of scientific studies with the public and raise awareness. In addition, the museum promotes collaboration between the university and the local community, creating a sense of shared action to protect the environment and biodiversity.
Cultural and Scientific Heritage
The museum symbolizes Hacettepe University's efforts to preserve its cultural and scientific heritage and pass it on to future generations. With its efforts to protect biodiversity and provide educational opportunities, the Biosphere Museum strengthens the university's contribution to society and has a significant impact both locally and nationally. While making the social, environmental, and scientific contributions of Hacettepe University more visible, the Biosphere Museum continues to function as a center that brings together all segments of society for a sustainable future.