Robert Grosseteste was an English statesman, scholastic philosopher, theologian, and bishop of Lincoln. He is known for his contributions to the development of the scientific method and his work in optics, astronomy, and mathematics. Grosseteste also made significant contributions to theology and is considered one of the most important thinkers of the 13th century. He was a key figure in the medieval intellectual tradition and his writings had a lasting impact on the fields of science, philosophy, and theology.