The main focus of the Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Software Development Technologies (IMDEA Software Institute) is to perform the research of excellence required to devise methods that will allow the cost-effective development of software products with sophisticated functionality and high quality, i.e., safe, reliable, and efficient. In order to achieve this goal the Institute is gathering a critical mass of world-wide, top class researchers and providing them with an ideal research environment. The focus of the Institute includes all phases of the development cycle (analysis, design, implementations, validation and verification), including methods, languages, and mechanisms. Its distinguishing feature is the concentration on approaches that are rigorous and at the same time allow building practical tools. The IMDEA Software Institute is part of IMDEA, the Madrid Institute of Advanced Studies, a network of international research centers in the Madrid region for research of excellence in areas of high economic impact.