Joan Oró

Joan Oró i Florensa (Catalan pronunciation: [ʒuˈan uˈɾo]; October 26, 1923 in Lleida, Spain – September 2, 2004 in Barcelona, Spain) was a Spanish biochemist, whose research has been of importance in understanding the origin of life. He participated in several NASA missions, including Apollo mission to the Moon and the Viking lander. He received the Oparin Medal, awarded by the International Astrobiology Society for his contributions to the field of origins of life.