Dr J. P. (JPR) Ochieng’-Odero is a scientist with a keen interest in the place of science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) in economic development, and the role of learning, knowledge sharing, and mentoring in capacity strengthening, especially in the Global South and particularly in Africa.
Has a BSc. (Zoology) from the University of Pune and earned a Ph.D. in Zoology (specializing in Entomology) from the University of Auckland, New Zealand in 1989. Has been a consulting Team Leader of the FCDO-funded Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA)
Has been Project Team Leader of the FCDO-funded East Africa Research Fund (EARF), was Deputy Director & Head of Scientific Programmes of the Consortium for National Health Research, and a Senior Research Scientist, Head of the capacity strengthening programme of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology.
He was mentored by the late Prof. Thomas R. Odhiambo at the R&D Forum for Science-led Development in Africa (RANDFORUM)which organized regional S&T Roundtables and policy-oriented Summits.
JPR did consultancy work on the commercialization of research outputs through science parks and was a resource person to the first and second Copenhagen Series of Seminars on Conditions for Social Progress. JPR was/is

• Appointed (2015-2021) member of the Board of Trustees of the National Research Fund (NRF)
  
• Appointed (2013-2017) to the Commission of University Education (CUE)
  
• Member of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS, March 2021).
  
• Member of the African Scientific Advisory Board (ASAB) of The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) (March-Current, 2019).
  
• Consultant to the World Bank to develop a research strategy for the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund for Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET-RSIF).
  
• Member of the Programme Monitoring Committee of the Regional Integration Research Network of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
  
• Consultant to the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) to develop a national Desert Locust Management Strategy for Kenya.
  

JPR published several articles on scientific research, capacity building and technology policy. He has a passion for theatre and is a published playwright and director. For his various contributions to national development, he was awarded a Head of State Commendation (HSC), Kenya in 2013.