This session explores new perspectives on podocytopathies, focusing on the mechanisms of podocyte injury, the lived experience of people with rare glomerular diseases, and evolving strategies to build a stronger treatment evidence base in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Leading experts review how different stressors can disrupt podocyte function, leading to proteinuria and progressive glomerular damage. The session also highlights patient priorities beyond clinical outcomes as well as emerging trial data and endpoint strategies with particular emphasis on proteinuria and eGFR as measures of treatment response and long-term kidney failure risk.