Becoming a member of CONICET's Advisory Board from 1999 to 2001, he continued research in the field of
biotechnology and published 54 articles in international, peer-reviewed scientific journals and was named a fellow to the prestigious
Endocrine Society, among others. Returning to the UBA as a leading Professor in his field, he was President of the National Agency for the Promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation and, on the creation of a cabinet-level Ministry by that name by outgoing President
Néstor Kirchner in 2007, Barañao was named its first Minister on President Cristina Kirchner's inauguration on December 10, 2007. Barañao's extensive experience in the field of
veterinary science and
agronomy has also made him an unofficial liaison between the administration and the
agrarian sector in their often contentious relationship. == Honours and awards ==