The Meeting Report on the VIIth International Workshop on SOX Transcription Factors.

The VIIth International Workshop on SOX Transcription Factors (SOX2025) was held at the Karuizawa Prince Hotel West, Nagano, Japan, from September 8 to 11, 2025. The meeting marked the 20th anniversary of the SOX conference series and brought together 83 participants from 17 countries. Researchers presented cutting-edge studies spanning structural biology, stem cell regulation, neurodevelopment, sex determination, germ cell biology, vascular development and disease mechanisms including oncology, genetic disorders and acquired diseases. Educational and special lectures provided both historical perspectives and forward-looking visions, framing the scientific discussions in the context of developmental biology and medical science. With a rich program of oral presentations, posters, and discussions, SOX2025 strengthened the global community of SOX researchers and underscored the broad significance of these transcription factors in biology and disease.