Dr. Gizem Açıkgöz is an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Kent University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing. She completed her BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Nursing Management. Her academic interests focus on nursing autonomy, patient safety, quality of care, critical thinking, and co-design in nursing education and practice. Between 2024 and 2025, she completed her TÜBİTAK-supported postdoctoral research at King’s College London, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care. She actively participates as a researcher and coordinator in national and international scientific projects.