The widespread of neo-nationalisms in Europe and geopolitical changes in the context of academic and research freedom in universities were the topics discussed at the second OPEN international conference co-organized by the Department of Political Science and International Relations of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic.

"The discussion covered a wide range of topics in today's polarized world, such as the issue of university freedom in the West, Denmark, and Central and Eastern Europe. Specifically, the case of the Central European University (CEU), where several academics were dismissed just by the fact of expressing their opinions - referred the local organizer of the event and political scientist Přemysl Rosůlek from the University of West Bohemia. Participants also met in smaller working groups, at round tables, and even in plenary discussions on several related topics to the core theme underlying OPEN Cost Action.

The last day of the conference was reserved for early-career researchers, who had the opportunity to present their research work and receive feedback from experienced colleagues. "For researchers at the beginning of their careers, establishing contacts with foreign colleagues is very important. The symposium for early-career researchers provides a platform that allows them to do so in a friendly environment among peers, without evaluation or competition. It also offers the value of openness and intensive involvement in the project. The symposium is also a space for establishing cooperation and taking the first steps towards the integration into a professional network, which can be a valuable support in further stages of one's career," said Benoît Josset from the Institut du Droit Public et de la Science Politique, Université de Rennes, France. Přemysl Rosůlek particularly highlighted the wide range of audience members and speakers: "Our invitation was accepted by academics at various stages of their careers, from a number of different European institutions and with very different areas of research. The diversity of individual perspectives led to very inspiring debates and innovative ideas for future activities."

Next year, the third annual conference of the OPEN Cost Action will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The event was held as part of the OPEN COST ACTION 22121 - titled Rising nationalisms, shifting geopolitics and the future of European higher education/research openness