EdUHK Hosts International Conference on Giftedness and Talent Development 2026
Global Experts Explore Talent Development and Twice-Exceptionality
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted the International Conference on Giftedness and Talent Development 2026 (ICGTD 2026) from 8 to 10 October on its Tai Po Campus. Organised by the Department of Special Education and Counselling (SEC) of EdUHK and co-orgranised by The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE), with support from local and international partners, the conference was held under the theme “Evolving Perspectives: Gifted Education and Talent Development in a Global Context.”
The event brought together renowned scholars, psychologists, educators, and practitioners from around the world to exchange insights on gifted education, talent development, inclusive education, and educational innovation. It also fostered global collaboration while reaffirming EdUHK’s role as a leading institution in Hong Kong for research, policy dialogue, and professional development in gifted education.
Delivering welcome remarks at the opening ceremony, Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, highlighted the importance of nurturing diverse talents with positive values to meet future societal and national needs. He emphasised the crucial role of collaboration in advancing gifted education and talent development, stating, “The development of human potential is at the heart of quality education. Through local, national, and international collaboration and knowledge exchange, we can better support gifted and twice-exceptional learners, ensuring that their talents are recognised, nurtured, and unleashed. EdUHK is pleased to provide a platform that brings together leading scholars and practitioners from around the world to advance this important mission.” Dr Lam Tat-ho, Chief Curriculum Development Officer (Gifted Education) of the Education Bureau, also attended the opening ceremony in support of the conference, alongside representatives from the education sector, scholars, and practitioners.
A major focus of ICGTD 2026 was twice-exceptionality (2e) and the social-emotional needs of gifted learners. The conference examined how gifted students may simultaneously experience challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and other special educational needs, resulting in their abilities often being overlooked under traditional identification approaches. Participants also exchanged views on well-being, learning motivation, perfectionism and resilience, while sharing practical strategies to support gifted and twice-exceptional learners in achieving their full potential academically, socially and emotionally.
The conference featured keynote presentations by distinguished scholars from Chinese Mainland, Australia, Canada, South Korea and the United States, including (in alphabetical order by surname):
- Dr Dante D Dixson, Michigan State University
- Professor Joni Lakin, University of Alabama
- Professor Lee Seon-Young, Seoul National University
- Professor Li Cheng, Beijing Normal University
- Professor Matthew C. Makel, University of Calgary
- Professor Michael S. Matthews, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Dr Scott Peters, Curriculum Associates
- Dr Geraldine Townend, University of New South Wales
Keynote topics covered talent identification, equitable gifted education, psychosocial development, creativity cultivation, teacher preparation, and support for twice-exceptional learners.
The conference also served as a platform for researchers and educators to present the latest findings and innovative practices in gifted education. More than 60 paper and poster presentations were delivered, covering creativity, STEM education, socio-emotional development, inclusive education, and artificial intelligence. Through scholarly exchange and professional dialogue, participants explored emerging issues in gift education, fostering cross-regional and cross-disciplinary collaboration while strengthening global cooperation and practice in talent development.
In addition, an exhibition showcased innovative educational technologies and resources supporting gifted education and talent development. Exhibitors included MAXHUB, CarryAI, NovaLearn, the Integrated Centre for Wellbeing (I-WELL), and EdUHK’s Institute of Special Needs and Inclusive Education (ISNIE). Product showcases and live demonstrations highlighted the latest applications of educational technology and AI-assisted learning tools, fostering exchange between the education and technology sectors while exploring new directions for technology-enabled education.
Professor Jennifer L Jolly, Head of SEC, noted that the conference underscored the importance of recognising diverse talents, supporting twice-exceptional learners, and creating inclusive pathways that enable every student to realise their potential, particularly those with advanced abilities.
Building on the growing demand for expertise in talent development, SEC will launch the Master of Arts in Education for Talent Development and Creativity in the 2028/29 academic year. The programme aims to nurture forward-looking educational professionals and talent development practitioners, while further strengthening the University’s leadership in educational equity, creativity, and talent development.
SEC remains committed to advancing diversity, equity and special and inclusive education. Through high-quality teaching, innovative research, and global collaboration, the Department develops outstanding educators, facilitators, and caregivers. Its areas of expertise include gifted and talented education, special and inclusive education, speech-language pathology, guidance and counselling, and neuroscience and education, enabling support for diverse learning needs in both special and inclusive settings.
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