Prof. Dr. Anouke Bakx has been installed as a endowed professor at Tilburg University for the chair “Giftedness, Transitions and Social Impact” as of January 1st, 2025. This chair was made possible by the Mensa Fonds. In the first year, the full focus is on setting up the research line, structuring the research and connecting it to ongoing initiatives. As is usual with the appointment of a professor, he or she is overwhelmed with questions in the first months, as was the case here too. Questions about collaboration, request for information about giftedness topics, a job/vacancy, reading concept articles, providing input, brainstorming session, a committee membership, giving lectures, personal cases or stories. We ask for your understanding that the research program is now given priority within the available limited time. Below are some questions that we received, with the answers to the extent that they can be given at this stage.
For an introduction to the special university chair see the introduction.
1. What research is ongoing?
Research in which the endowed professor was already involved and which also fit nicely into the new research line are the following studies:
– Research into Appropriate education for gifted students: all sub-studies and development projects can be found at: www.point013.nl
– Evaluation study into the subsidy foundations that OCW has made available to partnerships for appropriate education for gifted students in primary and secondary education. Anouke’s sub-project concerns the professionalization of teachers in the field of giftedness. More information about this can be found at: www.imageproject.nl
– Research into what gifted bachelor students need to be able to flourish. This study was conducted at Fontys University of Applied Sciences. A scientific publication is being prepared. The report and discussion cards are ready and available via: Let (Highly) gifted students flourish | Fontys. A small study into gifted employees in bachelor studies can be found at: Let employees with Cognitive Talent flourish | Fontys.
– Two PhD candidates have started:
o Kim Smeets is working on the project (working title): Teachers’ judgments, relationships, knowledge, attitudes, and professional development needs in gifted education. Supervision: Dr. Sanne van der Ven (Radboud University), Dr. Ellen Rohaan (Fontys University of Applied Sciences) and Prof. Dr. Anouke Bakx.
o Roeline Bijl is working on the project (working title): Professional development targeting teacher expectations and behavior to impact educational opportunities. Supervision: Dr. Linda van den Bergh (Fontys University of Applied Sciences), Dr. Jessie Hillekens (Tilburg University) and Prof. Dr. Anouke Bakx.
2. Are there any other interesting projects, besides research?
Anouke is a board member of the National Talent Centre of the Netherlands (NTCN). NTCN is part of the European Talent Support Network (ETSN). The mission of NTCN is to support talent and creativity in children, adolescents and (young) adults in the Netherlands. Under the flag of NTCN, the project ‘National Knowledge Center for Giftedness’ is running, in which as much current knowledge as possible is shared about giftedness and education (primary and secondary education): Knowledge Center for Giftedness.
3. When is the inaugural lecture?
Normally, the inaugural lecture takes place approximately 1 year after the appointment. So probably 1Q26. The date will be announced in the course of this year and will be announced via our communication channels. Everyone can follow the inaugural lecture live online via: Live broadcast Aula | Tilburg University (registration not required). Attendance is by invitation.
4. I have an idea for a research project, how can I share it?
The objective of the research line is demarcated by the research questions to be defined and the integration into the Tilburg University program. If you want to do a PhD or research yourself, see question 5. If you want to participate in research with your company or organization, see question 8. For other ideas about research, we advise you to find support from other organizations and to start a research (program) in that way.
5. I am a (PhD) scientist. Can I join a research project?
The research program will be further shaped by the professor in the coming year. Where necessary and desired, she will seek contact with fellow scientists or with experts in other areas. The first question here is therefore what the “own” scientific research area is and then where possible links lie. A short description and an email to hoogleraar@mensafonds.nl are very much appreciated.
6. Can I participate in the research?
In the first year (calendar year 2025) there will be more clarity about how and when participants are needed for the research. Sign up for our newsletter and follow our Socials to be informed in time.
7. I would like to share my experiences with transitions as a gifted person.How do I do that?
The type and character of the experiences are partly decisive whether and where this possibly ties in with the research. See question 6.
8. Can my company participate in the research?
Collaboration with the business community can be very attractive for both the business community and the professor’s research program. The aim is: to strengthen scientific research into giftedness across the entire life cycle, within various life and professional domains, from a longitudinal approach, with attention to life transitions and elements from positive psychology. A short description of the company profile, ideas for collaboration and an email to hoogleraar@mensafonds.nl are very much appreciated.
9. Is there data available that I can use for my own research?
No. At the moment, there is no data available for further analysis. New projects will be started. The data collected in these projects will be used for the scientific research that is linked to the chair. At the time of publication of results, a reference to the sources will be included. The principle of ‘open science’ is used as much as possible, so if it is possible to share data, this will happen. See also: Open science | NWO
10. Are there any vacancies at the special chair?
There are currently no vacancies. Follow our newsletter and social media to stay informed about the research. In the long term (after 2026), the intention is to create space for external PhD positions. For the time being, there is no funding available for this.
11. I work with gifted people. Where can I find information or resources?
The professor position aims to conduct scientific research as formulated in the teaching assignment. Results can be published in various forms, whereby resources/tooling for the gifted themselves and the society, business and social environment of the gifted are certainly a possibility. Research results, developed products and tools are shared via various channels, such as the newsletter of Mensa Fonds and POINT.
12. I am gifted and am stuck. Where can I go?
The special chair does not focus on individual problems. There are various specialists and organisations in the Netherlands and Flanders that can offer support to people who are stuck. More information can be found at: find a professional who has been tested for education, experience and training – KwaliteitsRegister HoogBegaafdheid.
13. For how long is the appointment?
The appointment is for a period of five years, after which a five-year extension is possible.
14. What are Founding Friends?
The Founding Friends of the chair are people and organisations that make the chair financially possible. As a donor, you can make a financial contribution. Make a one-off donation or opt for a fully tax-deductible periodic donation of five years. Bank: BIC-code: INGBNL2A IBAN: NL16 INGB 0008877172. Stichting Mensa Fonds has been a recognized ANBI since its establishment in 2013 and is fully dependent on donors for its financing.
15. More questions about the Mensa Fonds?
For questions about the Mensa Fonds, see the FAQ there. For questions about the special chair, send an email to: hoogleraar@mensafonds.nl.