Inaugural Lecture by Anke de Boer: Working Together for Inclusive Education

On Friday, 14 November 2025, Anke de Boer will deliver her inaugural lecture at the University of Groningen. As a professor by special appointment in specialized and inclusive education, she will discuss what is needed to make inclusive education truly possible. The lecture will take place at 16:15 in the Aula of the Academy Building and can also be followed via a livestream.

Anke de Boer was appointed professor by special appointment at the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences on 1 November 2024. Her chair, focused on orthopedagogy and clinical educational science, is embedded within RENN4, an organization for specialized education. With her research, she aims to gain a better understanding of what is needed to create an inclusive learning environment for students with specific support needs in the areas of learning and behavior.

Practical Challenges in the Classroom

Although policy aims to increase inclusivity in mainstream education, it proves difficult to implement in practice. De Boer: “National figures and data from our own organization show that many students in specialized education do not find a place in mainstream schools. Schools often lack the appropriate tools, and the system is not designed to accommodate them.”

From Practice to Evidence

In her lecture Bridging the Gap: A Story about the Foundation for Building Blocks and Tools for an Inclusive Learning Environment, De Boer emphasizes the need for a better understanding of how specialized and mainstream education can be connected. According to her, this requires an approach based on knowledge and research, as well as strong collaboration between science, policy, and practice. “Before we implement interventions widely, we must first understand what works, for whom, and under which circumstances. At the same time, research must align with practical questions and translate results into relevant policy.”

More than Academic Achievement

Inclusive education, according to De Boer, is not only about cognitive development. “It is also about ensuring that students feel accepted, develop a positive self-image, and find their place in society and the labor market. My chair aims to contribute to that.”

Attend or Watch Online

Those interested can attend the lecture in the Academy Building or watch it live via www.rug.nl/digitale-oratie.

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