We are sad to inform you that Robert France is no longer with us. Robert played a leading role in the software engineering research community, promoting and contributing to the field of model-driven engineering and founding SoSyM, the main journal in the field. His contributions to the UML/MODELS conference community have been particularly prominent and noteworthy. Over the years, he has served this conference series in many important functions including conference chair, program chair, and steering committee member. Robert fought the battle against lung cancer with the same determination and spirit that he placed in all his endeavours. His numerous contributions to and passion for model-driven engineering remain as a long-lasting tribute and will continue to guide and inspire us for years to come.

The Steering Committee and the Models 2015 organizing committee made plans to present the conferences first Lifetime Award to Robert at this year's conference. Since we were aware of his health situation, the award was presented to him while he was still with us.

At the conference banquet there will be a tribute to him and we will play Robert's favourite music.

Colorado State University has established a fellowship in his name, and are seeking donations.