Advancing developmental biology in Central Europe: report from the V4SDB meeting 2025

Hosted in the scenic surroundings of the High Tatras, the V4SDB Meeting 2025 represented the fourth biennial conference of the Visegrád Group Society for Developmental Biology. The meeting brought together over 170 researchers covering a multidisciplinary range of topics, from early development and organogenesis to non-traditional model systems and evo-devo, as well as stem cells and plasticity. With its numerous high-level talks and rich poster sessions, complemented by social and outreach activities, the meeting provided an excellent platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and initiating new collaborations. Moreover, the organizers arranged the Young Developmental Biologists Workshop, focused on data analysis, soft-skills training and community strengthening, which further enhanced early-career researchers' participation and support at the meeting. Altogether, the event underscored the V4SDB's commitment to nurturing the developmental biology community within the region.