Görkem Yavuz is an early career researcher specialising in conflict studies and International Relations. He holds an MSc in Conflict and Development Studies from Ghent University (2025), where he graduated 'magna cum laude'. His master’s dissertation, which explored the discursive strategies of Turkey’s involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, was awarded a high distinction grade of 16/20.

Previously, he graduated as an honour student in International Relations from Hacettepe University. His academic background includes a strategic transition from International Security studies to interdisciplinary research in Belgium, focusing on the intersection of constructivism, discourse analysis, and South Caucasian geopolitics.

In addition to his research, Görkem is the co-founder of Empowire, a non-profit organization dedicated to social impact. He has a diverse professional background as a research assistant, program coordinator, and content writer. A native Turkish speaker, he is fluent in English at a professional level and possesses an intermediate proficiency in Dutch.