Dr. Patricio Dandy Palacios Benítez, a graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of Asunción (FCV-UNA), was internationally recognised for his innovative research on in vitro fertilisation of kangaroo embryos. His work, considered a crucial advance for the conservation of endangered species, positioned him as a reference in the field of reproductive biotechnology and kangaroo fertilisation.
Dr. Palacios is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Queensland, Australia, thanks to the National Scholarship Program “Don Carlos Antonio López” (Becal). At this prestigious institution, he leads the wildlife team at the Animal Fertility Laboratory, where he develops assisted reproduction technologies for marsupials and other non-conventional species.
A path of effort and improvement
Dr. Palacios said during an interview published by FCV-UNA that his opportunity to work at the University of Queensland arose in 2022, when he obtained the BECAL scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Animal Science at the university. Later, in 2024, he had the opportunity to continue with a doctorate in assisted reproduction biotechnologies, also with funding from BECAL and other complementary scholarships. In addition, he currently works as a tutor in reproduction and anatomy courses.
Her research focuses on the genetic preservation of marsupials through the in vitro production of embryos. In collaboration with various entities, her team obtains eggs and sperm from non-conventional species to adapt assisted reproduction technologies used in domestic animals and humans.
“This work is essential, since there is little information on assisted reproduction of marsupials, and our goal is to develop these biotechnologies before it is too late,” she said.
Challenges and advances in research
Dr. Palacios began working with marsupials in 2023 during his master’s degree, and when he began his PhD in 2024, he focused on in vitro fertilisation of kangaroos. Since there were no specific methodologies for these animals, his team adapted techniques used in other mammals.
“The results have been more promising than we expected, but we still face challenges, such as optimizing egg maturation and cryopreservation. However, we continue to advance and refine these aspects,” he explained.
With effort, dedication and resilience, dreams can come true. There are scholarships and opportunities such as BECAL that allow Paraguayans to access studies abroad.”
– Dr. Patricio Dandy Palacios Benitez.
A solid education and a promising future
The researcher stressed that his training at FCV-UNA was key to his professional development and allowed him to compete at an international level. “The solid academic and practical foundation I received at FCV-UNA was essential to be accepted into one of the best universities in the world,” he said.
Looking ahead, his goal is to complete his PhD and do a postdoc to continue developing biotechnologies that contribute to the conservation of endangered species.
For students and professionals who dream of similar opportunities abroad, Dr. Palacios left a message of motivation: “With effort, dedication and resilience, dreams can come true. There are scholarships and opportunities like BECAL that allow Paraguayans to access studies abroad. The key is to search, apply, and not give up.”
