The Fifth International Conference on “Genetically Modified Organisms: History, Achievements, and Social and Environmental Risks” successfully convened from December 1–3, 2025, at Saint Petersburg State University in Russia. Held in a hybrid format, the conference welcomed both inperson and online participants from Russia, Moldova, and Turkmenistan.

This year’s conference honored the distinguished career of Ludmila Alekseevna Lutova, Professor of the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology of Saint Petersburg State University and Doctor of Biological Sciences, in celebration of her anniversary. Professor Lutova is internationally recognized for her foundational contributions to plant genetics and biotechnology. Her pioneering studies on the genetic regulation of plant cell differentiation have opened new pathways in scientific research [1, 2]. Her educational impact is equally noteworthy. Author of widely adopted textbooks in biotechnology, genetic engineering, and plant developmental genetics [3, 4], her works are highly regarded by experts and used in universities throughout Russia and beyond. For decades, she has taught innovative courses at St. Petersburg State University, mentoring successive generations of scientists [5]. Many of her students now hold positions in research institutes, universities, and innovative companies around the world, carrying forward and building upon her scientific legacy.

The conference followed its traditional structure [6, 7], featuring six core thematic sections encompassing 24 oral presentations:

GMOs in Fundamental Research.
Genome Editing Technologies.
GMOs in Agriculture.
GMOs in Medicine.
GMOs and the Environment.
GMOs and Society.
The program was complemented by a poster session featuring 17 presentations.

The scientific scope of the 2025 conference was exceptionally broad [8]. The conference program featured presentations on the application of genetic engineering methods to develop new plant varieties, as well as to establish resilient and productive plant-microorganism symbioses. Several reports addressed genetically engineered animals and microorganisms used as models for studying human hereditary and infectious diseases. As in previous years, presentations on the challenges of GMOs within ecological systems generated significant interest.

A selection of the conference reports is presented as concise articles in this special issue.