For 35 years Edwin Diday has been very active in the field of clustering and data analysis, and, by introducing the concept of 'symbolic data' as early as in 1987, he has also shaped and developed the data-analytic approach that is known today under the name of 'Symbolic Data Analysis'. Other important contributions include the dynamic clustering method, as a generalisation of k-means, and the pyramids as an extension of classical hierarchical classifications. During the last few years, he has been intensively involved in international projects related to symbolic data analysis.

Invited speakers, all authors, all editors and the members of the organising committee would like to congratulate Edwin Diday for his scientific work and his commitment to the development of data analysis as well as to the education of a large list of students and researchers.