Lake Van exploration project to train youth in MicroROV technology

A new educational project will allow youths under the age of 18 to explore the depths of Lake Van using MicroROV underwater robotic technology. Supported by the Turkish Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Relations with Civil Society, the initiative aims to introduce young people to scientific research, underwater robotics, and the natural and cultural heritage of the lake.

Participants will receive pilot training for MicroROV systems, learning the operational principles of unmanned underwater vehicles through hands-on experience. The program is designed to foster skills in robotics, engineering, marine sciences, archaeology, and environmental science, while also promoting teamwork and problem-solving.

Lake Van serves as a “living laboratory” due to its unique ecosystem and underwater cultural assets. The project seeks to encourage regional youth to become future researchers by introducing them to advanced technologies used in scientific exploration, environmental monitoring, and search-and-rescue operations.