Gregory Benford is an American science fiction author and astrophysicist, celebrated for his contributions to hard science fiction. Born in 1941, he is a professor emeritus at the University of California, Irvine. His works often incorporate his scientific expertise, exploring themes like galactic conflict, artificial intelligence, and time travel.

Benford is best known for his Galactic Center Saga, starting with In the Ocean of Night, which depicts a galaxy-wide war between organic and mechanical life. His novel Timescape won multiple awards, including the Nebula and John W. Campbell Memorial Awards, for its innovative take on time travel and ecological crises.