In this video conference lecture, third in the ABC Net 2012/2013 series, Dr Natalia B. Gontareva from the St Petersburg State Technical University and Russian Astrobiology Center, discusses the different theories on the origin of life.

Starting with a comprehensive overview of historical theories, Dr Gontareva then discusses the conditions necessary to sustain current theories. An extensive discussion on alternative models which challenge the current dogmas leads to interesting questions at the end of the lecture.