Damien Paris

Dr. Damien Paris is an Associate Professor and Head of the Gamete and Embryology (GAME) Laboratory at James Cook University. His research focuses on developing assisted reproductive technologies for animal breeding and conservation, particularly addressing environmental impacts on fertility in species like African wild dogs, barramundi, and endangered amphibians. He holds a BSc in plant genetics/molecular biology (Monash University), a PhD in mammalian reproduction (University of Melbourne), and has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Glasgow and Universiteit Utrecht. His work spans institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Wildlife Breeding Resource Centre.

Key research areas include sperm cryopreservation, artificial insemination, and mitigation strategies for environmental stressors affecting fertility. Current projects involve novel pheromones for African wild dog conservation, reproductive techniques for barramundi, and pygmy hippopotamus habitat studies. Paris has authored over 80 publications, with recent focus on heat stress effects on boar sperm and antioxidant therapies. His team actively collaborates on conservation toolkits and genetic resource preservation.

Notable contributions include first macropod artificial insemination, antioxidant diets for pig sperm, and sperm banking for endangered species. Paris advises students across wildlife and aquaculture research, emphasizing translational solutions for conservation challenges.