This issue of the CMFT Journal serves a special purpose. It is dedicated to Edward B. Saff, Co-Editor-in-Chief, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, thereby celebrating his multiple skills—as a groundbreaking researcher, an outstanding lecturer and expositor, a generous supervisor and mentor to so many.

The articles in this issue were submitted by participants of the conference ‘Constructive Functions 2014’, held at Vanderbilt University from 26 May 2014 to 30 May 2014, to honor Ed’s many contributions. The meet was organized chiefly by Doug Hardin and Brian Simanek, while Doron Lubinsky has made this issue possible as Guest-Chief-Editor. In keeping with the spirit of CMFT, all articles in this volume were thoroughly refereed, and involve original research.

At the same time we are sorry to have to announce that Ed has decided to resign from his post as Editor-in-Chief of this journal, after 15 years of dedicated work. Ed was a driving force in establishing CMFT, and in raising its reputation to the high-quality journal it is today. Fortunately, he will remain on our editorial board. Thank you Ed for your commitment and cooperation over so many years.

Doron Lubinsky and Stephan Ruscheweyh