From podocyte biology to glomerular medicine: the 15th International Podocyte Conference 2025

The 15th International Podocyte Conference was held in Hamburg, Germany, from June 10 to 13, 2025, marking the inaugural meeting of the International Society of Glomerular Disease. The conference opened with a vibrant Pre-Meeting Day for Emerging Career Researchers, featuring early-career talks and exchanges on scientific and career development. The main program reflected the evolution of the field and underscored the rationale for a sustained focus on podocyte biology. Key insights included the need to shift from a disease-oriented model toward glomerular health, the complexity of glomerular cell types and interactions, and advances in identifying causal genes in kidney function through genetic studies. Unmet needs were also emphasized around patient experience, access to expert care, and trial design. Serving as a report from the 15th International Podocyte Conference, this review captures the evolving landscape of podocyte and glomerular disease research as discussed by the global scientific community.