On February 4, Duolingo will host an evening event bringing together UK universities and policymakers to explore how higher education can strengthen Scotland’s global influence at a moment of political and geopolitical change. The event will open with a keynote in conversation with Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson, followed by a panel discussion titled Higher Education and Soft Power in a Changing World, bringing together senior figures from higher education and policy. Scotland’s higher education sector has long been a cornerstone of its international reputation. Recent analysis underlined just how much global influence Scottish higher education continues to wield – even as institutions operate under growing financial and political pressure. In April 2025, Sandison was appointed by the Scottish government as trade and investment envoy for international education.