Dr. Julius Ecuru has extensive experience in governmental science and technology policy, as well as a record of fostering innovative research and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Africa committed to sustainable development.
He is the head of BioInnovate Africa, a regional science and innovation-driven network in eastern Africa, which supports scientists to translate biological-based ideas, inventions and technologies into practical uses in society. Under his leadership, BioInnovate Africa, which is implemented as a program of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, is actively strengthening links between scientists and business people, developing innovative bio-based products and working with policy makers to improve the region’s innovation ecosystem for a sustainable economy.
Prior to joining icipe, Dr. Ecuru was Assistant Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology in charge of research, technology development and innovation. He helped establish a coherent system for the conduct of research and advancement of science in Uganda and contributed significantly to science and technology policy reforms in the country.
As an interdisciplinary researcher, Dr. Ecuru studies the theory and practice of innovation systems that foster sustainable development. Of particular interest to Dr. Ecuru, are the interactive learning models that enable universities, firms and related organizations to be productive and catalytic centers of innovation, growth and social development. Dr. Ecuru continues to make academic contributions in the chemical and bioengineering sciences, and also participates in regulatory science and research ethics capacity development in the region.
Dr. Ecuru has a B. Sc (Chemistry) Honors and M. Sc from Makerere University, Kampala, and a Ph.D. in Technology and Technoscience Studies (Innovation Systems and Development) from Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden, and Makerere University, Kampala. Dr. Ecuru is also a Fogarty Bioethics Fellow, having received a postgraduate diploma in International Research Ethics from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
