How does cognitive science research apply to gifted learners? To recognise 'Gifted Awareness Week 2026', the Barker Institute, guided by Susanna Matters, Director of Gifted Education at Barker, is delighted to welcome Professor Penny Van Bergen. Professor Van Bergen will explore how insights from cognitive science can be applied to support gifted learners.

This seminar will explore differences in cognitive speed and capacity between learners, emotional and relational considerations, and similarities across all learners. We then explore what these similarities and differences mean for applying cognitive science insights with gifted learners at home and in the classroom.

Penny Van Bergen is a Professor of Education with an interest in memory, learning, emotion, and relationships. She has taught educational psychology for 15 years at UNSW and Macquarie University and been awarded more than $8 Million in grants from the Australian Research Council, Google, NZ Marsden Foundation, and NSW Department of Education. She is a former Head of School in the School of Education at the University of Wollongong, implementing key education reform related to the science of learning.

We warmly invite parents, educators, and members of the community to join us for this engaging and informative event.