Jacek Józef Dukaj is a renowned Polish science fiction and fantasy writer. Born on 30 July 1974, his fiction delves into themes of alternate history, alternative physics and logic, human nature, religion, and the intricate relationship between science and power. His works also explore concepts such as technological singularity, artificial intelligence, and transhumanism. Dukaj is celebrated as one of the most prominent contemporary Polish science fiction authors.

He is a recipient of numerous national and international literary awards, including the European Union Prize for Literature, the Janusz A. Zajdel Award, and the European Science Fiction Award. His career began with a debut short story at age 16 titled Złota Galera (Golden Galley). Dukaj is known for the complexity of his narratives, often said to contain more ideas in a single short story than many authors present in an entire lifetime. His prevalent themes include the technological singularity, nanotechnology, and virtual reality, often categorizing his works as hard science fiction.