Merve Gürsel is an internationally recognized designer, neuroscience advocate, and philanthropist whose work bridges spatial
design, cognitive science, and cultural innovation. She is the founder of D by Design and co‐founder of Humanoid‐AI and
Humanoid‐AI Academy, where she develops projects at the intersection of environment, arts, and emerging technologies.
A Brain Trust Board Member at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute, Gürsel promotes neuroscience education and
accessibility. She has furthered her engagement with cognitive science through executive studies at the Wharton School,
University of Pennsylvania, completing the program Understanding the Brain: Using Neuroscience to Deliver Better Business
Results.
She began her career with MK Design and was featured in the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review as one of the world’s top
100 interior designers. In 2021, her creative direction in Reflections—a multidisciplinary project blending design, performance,
and immersive experience—earned the Best Event Award at the 9th ACE of M.I.C.E. Awards.
Gürsel serves on the Board of Directors at Turkish Philanthropy Funds. She is also a founding member of the Turkish Coffee
Culture and Research Association, and currently honorary chairman, former chairwoman of Acıkkapı Social Responsibility
Association, and a former board member of the Turkish Family Health and Planning Foundation.
In education, she plays an active leadership role as a member of the board of trustees at Hisar School. She has also served on
the executive board of YPO Istanbul.
A lifelong athlete, Gürsel is a five‐time Turkish National Champion in equestrian show jumping and represented Turkey on the
National Horseback Riding Team for many years. She competed in international fencing championships as part of the Turkish
Veteran National Team and was a board member of Fencers Club NYC, where she was named MVP in 2016.
She holds a degree in Interior Design from the American College in London and studied Art History at Mimar Sinan University.
She divides her time between Istanbul and New York with her husband and two children.