The OPEN COST Action explores how the rise of new nationalisms and geopolitical tensions exert a growing pressure on the openness of European higher education and research and examines its implications for the future of Europe. Through knowledge- exchange and collaboration, the network will converge diverse pan-European and interdisciplinary perspectives on the nationalism-higher education relationship and accompanying geopolitical pressures. The network will liaise with stakeholders in the domain of higher education and research to generate ideas for addressing and alleviating the growing threats to the University’s openness and global cooperation capabilities. In doing so, OPEN will develop sustainable and transferable analytical and conceptual frameworks for future studies and collaborations, including mentorship programs for early career scholars. Aarhus University is Grant Holder Institution for the OPEN COST Action.