Overview
Background
I am a reproductive biologist specialising in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), with a focus on IVF, ICSI, cloning, and embryo technologies for animal production and wildlife conservation. My work aims to improve our understanding of reproductive biology and develop innovative reproductive biotechnologies across livestock, equine, and wildlife species, with strong links to industry and international collaborators.
My work has delivered key advances in the field, including:
- First cloned horses in South America (2010) and Australia (2018)
- Development of efficient OPU–ICSI systems in horses
- First in vitro-produced kangaroo embryos (2025)
- Embryo production across species, including donkeys and mules (2022)
- First cloned zebra embryos worldwide (2020)
With international research experience in South America, the USA and Europe, my current work focuses on optimising cloning IVF and ICSI systems, identifying biomarkers of gamete and embryo quality and developing biobanking strategies for threatened species biology.
I welcome opportunities for HDR supervision, research collaboration, and industry partnerships in animal reproduction and conservation technologies.
Availability
- Dr Andres Gambini is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto
- Doctor of Philosophy of Animal Reproduction, Universidad de Buenos Aires
Research interests
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Gamete Preservation Technologies
Developing and optimizing innovative methods for the cryopreservation and in vitro storage of gametes to enhance reproductive success in livestock and wildlife. My research focuses on improving sperm, oocyte, and embryo viability post-thaw, with applications in conservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and genetic improvement. This work supports sustainable breeding programs, biodiversity preservation, and advancements in fertility treatments for endangered and domestic species.
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In Vitro Embryo Development for Animal Production and Conservation
Advancing in vitro embryo production to improve reproductive efficiency in livestock and support conservation efforts for endangered species. My research focuses on optimizing culture conditions, embryo viability, and developmental competence to enhance breeding outcomes. These technologies contribute to genetic improvement, sustainable animal production, and the preservation of biodiversity by enabling the propagation of valuable or at-risk genetic lines.
Research impacts
My research delivers impact in animal production and wildlife conservation by applying advanced reproductive technologies to real-world challenges.
In the livestock and equine industries, my work on IVF improves embryo production efficiency, supporting genetic gain, reproductive performance, and economic outcomes. These technologies are actively translated through collaborations with veterinarians and industry partners.
My research also builds capacity by training students and researchers, and by developing biobanking and reproductive platforms that can be applied across species.
Overall, my work connects science and application to support sustainable animal production and conservation outcomes.
Works
Search Professor Andres Gambini’s works on UQ eSpace
2026
Journal Article
Metabolomics reveals early predictors of blastocyst formation in equine ICSI-derived embryos
Tsopp, Elina, Kilk, Kalle, Gambini, Andres, Tvrdà, Eva, Viljaste-Seera, Anni, Tuppits, Ulrika and Jaakma, Ülle (2026). Metabolomics reveals early predictors of blastocyst formation in equine ICSI-derived embryos. Theriogenology, 257 117879, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117879
2026
Journal Article
FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 supplementation during in vitro maturation or culture improves equine ICSI embryo development in an age-dependent manner
Smith, Joanne M., Palacios, Patricio D., Segura Forero, Pablo Andrés, Gurkin, Rhiannon J., Doyle, Tori, Boe-Hansen, Gry and Gambini, Andrés (2026). FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 supplementation during in vitro maturation or culture improves equine ICSI embryo development in an age-dependent manner. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 38 (7) RD26023, 1-12. doi: 10.1071/rd26023
2026
Conference Publication
Pawsitive pregnancy: investigating detection dogs for cattle pregnancy diagnosis
Watkins, Ella, McCosker, Kieren, Gambini, Andres and Boe-Hansen, Gry (2026). Pawsitive pregnancy: investigating detection dogs for cattle pregnancy diagnosis. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 10-13 March 2026. Roma, QLD Australia: Northern Beef Research Advisory Council.
2026
Conference Publication
Impact of preservation media on equine sperm integrity and PLCζ localization following freeze-drying
Segura Forero, P. A., Palacios, P. D., Gurkin, R. J., Smith, J. M., Pini, T. and Gambini, A. (2026). Impact of preservation media on equine sperm integrity and PLCζ localization following freeze-drying. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Panama City, Panama, 17-20 January 2026. Clayton, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv38n1ab50
2026
Conference Publication
Evaluating FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 supplementation during in vitro maturation to enhance equine ICSI embryo development
Smith, J. M., Palacios, P. D., Gurkin, R. J., Segura Forero, P. A., Doyle, T., Boe-Hansen, G., Lees, A. and Gambini, A. (2026). Evaluating FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 supplementation during in vitro maturation to enhance equine ICSI embryo development. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Panama City, Panama, 17–20 January 2026. Clayton, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv38n1ab176
2026
Conference Publication
Exposure of in vitro-matured cat oocytes to zinc chelation supports parthenogenetic embryo development to the blastocyst stage
Gambini, A., Lee, P., Yang, Y. and Comizzoli, P. (2026). Exposure of in vitro-matured cat oocytes to zinc chelation supports parthenogenetic embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Panama City, Panama, 17–20 January 2026. Clayton, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv38n1ab108
2026
Conference Publication
Metabolomics uncovers early predictors of blastocyst formation in equine ICSI embryos
Tsopp, E., Gambini, A., Viljaste-Seera, A. and Tvrda, E. (2026). Metabolomics uncovers early predictors of blastocyst formation in equine ICSI embryos. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Panama City, Panama, 17–20 January 2026. Clayton, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv38n1ab192
2026
Conference Publication
Effect of zinc-enriched maturation on parthenogenetic development and DNA stability in bovine embryos following zinc chelation
Gurkin, R. J., Segura Forero, P. A., Palacios, P. D., Johnston, S. D. and Gambini, A. (2026). Effect of zinc-enriched maturation on parthenogenetic development and DNA stability in bovine embryos following zinc chelation. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Panama City, Panama, 17–20 January 2026. Clayton, VIC Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv38n1ab177
2026
Conference Publication
Impact of chilling, cryopreservation, and freeze-drying on DNA fragmentation and PLCζ expression in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) epididymal spermatozoa
Palacios, P. D., Sergura Forero, P. A., Gurkin, R. J., Smith, J. M., Campbell, Y., Johnston, S. D. and Gambini, A. (2026). Impact of chilling, cryopreservation, and freeze-drying on DNA fragmentation and PLCζ expression in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) epididymal spermatozoa. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Panama City, Panama, 17-20 January 2026. Clayton, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv38n1ab6
2025
Journal Article
Evidence of folliculogenesis and the potential of oocyte recovery from koalas with different levels of reproductive pathology
Johnston, Stephen D., Boyd, Jackson, Palacios, Patricio D., Grosmaire, Julien, Lee, Alexander, Hulse, Lyndal, Vega, Leslie, Pyne, Michael, Gambini, Andres and Palmieri, Chiara (2025). Evidence of folliculogenesis and the potential of oocyte recovery from koalas with different levels of reproductive pathology. Biology, 14 (10) 1435, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/biology14101435
2025
Journal Article
Current and emerging advanced techniques for breeding donkeys and mules
Gambini, Andrés, Smith, Joanne M., Gurkin, Rhiannon J. and Palacios, Patricio D. (2025). Current and emerging advanced techniques for breeding donkeys and mules. Animals, 15 (7) 990, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/ani15070990
2025
Journal Article
Metabolomic biomarkers in bovine embryo culture media and their relationship with the developmental potential of in vitro-produced embryos
Tsopp, Elina, Kilk, Kalle, Gambini, Andres, Kavak, Ants, Nahkur, Esta, Viljaste-Seera, Anni, Viinalass, Haldja and Jaakma, Ülle (2025). Metabolomic biomarkers in bovine embryo culture media and their relationship with the developmental potential of in vitro-produced embryos. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26 (5) 2362, 2362. doi: 10.3390/ijms26052362
2024
Journal Article
A review of the role of lectins in animal gametes and embryo development
Nadri, Touba and Gambini, Andres (2024). A review of the role of lectins in animal gametes and embryo development. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 11 (2), 228-235. doi: 10.20448/aesr.v11i2.6260
2024
Conference Publication
136 Effect of laser-induced sperm membrane damage on preimplantation development of horse ICSI embryos
Smith, J. M., Palacios, P. D., Gurkin, R. J., Alrauji, Y., Zhao, J. and Gambini, A. (2024). 136 Effect of laser-induced sperm membrane damage on preimplantation development of horse ICSI embryos. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX United States, 18–22 January 2025. Clayton, VIC Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv37n1ab136
2024
Conference Publication
28 Successful production of kangaroo ICSI embryos
Palacios, P. D., Gurkin, R. J., Campbell, Y., Zhao, J., Pini, T., Johnston, S. and Gambini, A. (2024). 28 Successful production of kangaroo ICSI embryos. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX United States, 18–22 January 2025. Clayton, VIC Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv37n1ab28
2024
Conference Publication
179 Oocyte recovery and maturation rates in Estonian sport horses
Tsopp, E., Viljaste-Seera, A., Gambini, A., Kavak, A. and Reilent, A. (2024). 179 Oocyte recovery and maturation rates in Estonian sport horses. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX United States, 18–22 January 2025. Clayton, VIC Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/rdv37n1ab179
2024
Journal Article
Spermatogonial stem cell technologies: applications from human medicine to wildlife conservation
Damyanova, Katerina B., Nixon, Brett, Johnston, Stephen D., Gambini, Andrés, Benitez, Patricio P. and Lord, Tessa (2024). Spermatogonial stem cell technologies: applications from human medicine to wildlife conservation. Biology of Reproduction, 111 (4), 757-779. doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioae109
2024
Journal Article
Efficiency of the zinc chelator 1,10-phenanthroline for assisted oocyte activation following ICSI in pigs
Briski, Olinda, Cabeza, Juan P., Salamone, Daniel F., Fernández-Martin, Rafael and Gambini, Andrés (2024). Efficiency of the zinc chelator 1,10-phenanthroline for assisted oocyte activation following ICSI in pigs. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 36 (15) RD24129, 1-9. doi: 10.1071/rd24129
2024
Journal Article
Effect of zinc supplementation on the quality of cooled, stored equine sperm
Palacios, Patricio D., Ortiz, Isabel, Dorado, Jesús, Hidalgo, Manuel, García Díaz, Juan Ramón and Gambini, Andrés (2024). Effect of zinc supplementation on the quality of cooled, stored equine sperm. Animal Production Science, 64 (9) AN24005, 1-9. doi: 10.1071/an24005
2024
Journal Article
In vitro developmental competence of bovine demi-embryos generated by blastomere separation and blastocyst bisection
Ynsaurralde-Rivolta, A E, Gambini, A, Alberio, V, Savy, V, Ratner, L, Guberman, A, Vázquez Echegaray, C, Gismondi, M I, Currá, A, Bevacqua, R and Salamone, D (2024). In vitro developmental competence of bovine demi-embryos generated by blastomere separation and blastocyst bisection. Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene, 59 (6) e14627, e14627. doi: 10.1111/rda.14627
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Andres Gambini is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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In vitro embryo development and gamete conservation for Animal Production and Conservation
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Master Philosophy
Novel Techniques for Donkey and Horse Sperm and Somatic Cell Preservation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Albert Sole Guitart, Dr Taylor Pini
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Master Philosophy
Enhancing equid welfare in equine-assisted services. A survey of practitioner perspectives and practices in Australia.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Carlie Driscoll, Dr Suresh Krishnasamy
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel methods for improving in vitro production of bovine embryos
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steve Johnston
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Doctor Philosophy
Optimizing Equine OPU-ICSI Outcomes Through Enhanced In Vitro Maturation, Embryo Culture, and Sperm Selection Strategies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Gry Boe-Hansen
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel strategies for marsupial genetic preservation and in vitro embryo production
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steve Johnston
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Doctor Philosophy
In-Vitro Approaches to Shield the Oocyte Activation Program from Heat-Induced Damage in Bovine Oocytes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Vitor Mercadante
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Doctor Philosophy
The investigation of the use of odour-detection dogs for non-invasive pregnancy diagnosis in cattle
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kieren McCosker, Associate Professor Gry Boe-Hansen
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Doctor Philosophy
Rescue, Rehabilitation and Stress Biology of Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Joeys
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Viviana Gonzalez Astudillo
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Andres Gambini directly for media enquiries about:
- animal conservation
- animal reproduction
- cattle
- cell culture
- cloning
- donkey
- egg
- embryo
- frozeen
- genetics
- horse reproduction
- ICSI
- IVF
- oocyte
- SCNT
- sperm
- vitrificaction
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