On 10 June 2025, the University Counselling Centre CZU hosted the third annual round table titled "Gifted Students – How Not to Lose Them in the Midst of Enrolments and Exams." The event was held under the patronage of the Vice-Rector for Pedagogical Activities, Prof. Ing. Jiří Remeš, Ph.D., and was organised in cooperation with the Czech Association of University Counsellors (AVŠP). It reflected one of the priorities of the OP JAK ESF+ project.
The main topics of the round table included defining talent and giftedness, identifying gifted students, and exploring effective approaches to supporting them in higher education. The programme also featured contributions from gifted students themselves, who shared their perspectives on education, motivation, their needs, and the obstacles they face.
The afternoon session focused on neurodivergence and twice-exceptionality, as well as the causes of underperformance among gifted students. The organisation Mensa Česko presented inspiring practices, offering participants specific recommendations and proven strategies for working with gifted students in the university environment. The day concluded with a guided tour of CZU’s Food Pavilion.
Supporting gifted students is a shared priority among universities—not only to develop their talents but also as a means of preventing early study withdrawal. Dropping out can result from a lack of support or insufficient conditions at university that prevent gifted students from fully realising their potential.
This meeting continued the successful tradition of open dialogue among counsellors, academics, and other experts dedicated to student development in higher education. It was attended by more than 40 representatives from universities across the Czech Republic, as well as from NGOs including Mensa Česko, Institutu Zahrady pro duši (Garden for the Soul Institute), and the National Institute of Mental Health. A special guest of honour was the First Vice-Chair of Mensa Česko, Mgr. Lucie Měchurová.
We thank all participants for attending and look forward to the next opportunity to meet again.
