Times are in Central Time in the United States (for your local time, see https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html?iso=20250317T160000&p1=34&p2=2508)
Forced displacement affects millions globally, including up to 25 million gifted individuals. This webinar, lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, introduces the theme of an upcoming special issue in Gifted and Talented International titled “Gifted Potential in Displacement.” The session will explore the unique challenges faced by gifted individuals in migration, addressing identification, cultural identity, and educational barriers. Experts will provide insights to support educational and social integration, empowering these learners to thrive despite adversity. The event invites educators, researchers, and policymakers to engage in this vital discussion on inclusive practices for displaced gifted learners.
Moderators
Anies al Hroub
Albert Ziegler
Speakers
Ali M. Alodat
Ali M. Alodat, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Gifted and Special Education, Psychological Sciences Department, College of Education, Qatar University. Dr. Ali Alodat is an accomplished scholar specializing in gifted and special education. He has extensive experience advancing equitable practices for identifying and supporting gifted refugee students. He has conducted pioneering research through post-doctoral projects at Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on developing best practices for the assessment and education of gifted Syrian refugee students in Jordan and creating inclusive practices for refugee students with disabilities. His scholarship includes peer-reviewed publications addressing the unique challenges faced by gifted refugee students, such as interrupted education, trauma, and cultural dislocation. His work on the Arabic version of the HOPE Teacher Rating Scale has contributed to innovative identification methods that ensure equitable representation of gifted refugee students. Dr. Alodat has also led several funded projects on the educational experiences of refugee children. These projects highlight his dedication to evidence-based strategies and culturally responsive practices.
Mehmet Bicacki
Mehmet Bicakci is an emerging scholar specializing in educational psychology, gifted education, and gifted underachievement. His Ph.D. study, “The ‘Gifted Underachiever’ Label: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study,”explores the socio-cultural dynamics of labeling in gifted education. Mehmet’s work highlights equity issues, particularly the impact of socioeconomic status, cultural orientations, language, and systemic barriers on identifying and supporting gifted individuals. Currently a research fellow at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Mehmet collaborates on projects addressing STEM education and talent development. His previous roles include research assistant and coordinator at Hacettepe University’s gifted education center. Mehmet’s work has been featured at leading conferences such as ECHA, AERA, ABAI, and the WCGTC.
Femke Hovinga
Femke Hovinga is an entrepreneur and researcher specializing in giftedness and neurodivergence. She leads four organizations: SCALIQ (psychometric research and assessment tools), Talentissimo (expertise center for gifted education), Opallios (coaching and school support), and Epoche (diagnostics and psychological counseling). With a commitment to evidence-based practice, she develops intelligence screening tools and advocates for equitable identification of gifted individuals, particularly in diverse populations. Her work bridges research and practice, ensuring that educators and professionals have the tools to support cognitively strong individuals effectively. She is passionate about improving policies and awareness around giftedness in education and society.