Thematic meeting 'Giftedness in the workplace'
Giftedness is more than just a high IQ. Gifted staff members are for example skilled at making connections, are creative thinkers, enjoy seeking out challenges and are quick to find solutions. These employees are of great value to science and innovation within our (educational) organisations. But how do you effectively manage employees who are for example sensitive to atmosphere/tension, are extremely driven, and need autonomy in their work? What if ways of thinking diverge and one employee is several steps ahead of the rest of the team?* This thematic meeting on Tuesday 3 March will focus on giftedness in the workplace.
This lecture will be held in Dutch, but English speakers are welcome.
Prof. Dr Anouke Bakx (Tilburg University) will explain how to recognise giftedness in the workplace and what gifted employees need in order to do their job well. We also consider what you, as a gifted employee, can do to foster valuable collaborations. In addition, we will discuss how you, as a manager, can deal with gifted talent in order to be successful together, with mutual trust and visible added value for the team and the organisation.
Programme
3.15-3.30 p.m. Doors open
3.30-3.35 p.m. Welcome by U-AccessAbility
3.35-4.25 p.m. Lecture by Prof. Dr Anouke Bakx
4:25-4:55 p.m. Experiences in the workplace
4:55-5:00 p.m. Closing remarks
5:00-5:30 p.m. Drinks in the Foyer Boothzaal
This thematic meeting is primarily, but not exclusively, intended for managers, team leaders, HR (advisors) and gifted staff.
About Prof. Dr Anouke Bakx
Anouke Bakx, PhD, is a professor of Giftedness, Transitions and Societal Impact at Tilburg University and an associate professor at Fontys University of Applied Sciences. She is a board member of NTCN (National Talent Centre of the Netherlands). She is founder of the POINT-educational labs and co-founder of the Scientific Centre of Expertise RATIO (Radboud Talent in Development). Her area of expertise is teachers’ professional development in the field of gifted education.
Practical information
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 15.30 – 17.00 hrs, borrel afterwards.
Location: Utrecht Science Park, Utrecht University Library (Heidelberglaan 3), Boothzaal.
Admission: free.
For whom: this meeting is primarily, but not exclusively, intended for managers, HR (advisors) and gifted employees working at an organization in (or connected to) the Utrecht Science Park.
Accessibility: the venue is wheelchair accessible. Is there anything else we can take into account for you? Please let us know via the registration form, and we will look at the possibilities with you.
Registration: you can register until Friday, February 27, 12.00 hrs at the latest.
*The text mentions examples of what gifted employees and managers may encounter. Giftedness is a broad spectrum and is therefore experienced in different ways in relation to the workplace.