Executive Board
The Executive Board represents the member organisations in the governance and strategic development of the European Underground Laboratories Association.
Chair
Jari Joutsenvaara
Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu, Finland
EUL focus
Underground research infrastructures, high-value mine repurposing, RDI, regional transformation and international cooperation
Jari Joutsenvaara is a physicist by training and a research and development professional at the Kerttu Saalasti Institute of the University of Oulu. He is also a doctoral researcher in mining engineering, focusing on high-value mine repurposing, research and innovation potential, industrial renewal and sustainable regional transformation.
His background in underground research originates from the scientific reuse of the Pyhäsalmi Mine for experimental physics. He subsequently played a central role in developing Callio Lab into a multidisciplinary underground research and innovation environment. Jari has extensive experience in European and national research, development and innovation projects, both as a coordinator and a partner.
As Chair of EUL, he promotes international cooperation between underground laboratories, research organisations, industry and public authorities, and supports underground research infrastructures as integral parts of wider research and innovation ecosystems.
Vice Chairs
Vice Chair
Krzysztof Fuławka
KGHM CUPRUM Ltd. Research and Development Centre; Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland
EUL focus
Mining geomechanics, mining-induced seismicity, numerical modelling, underground safety and international RDI cooperation
Krzysztof Fuławka is a mining engineer and researcher specialising in rock engineering, mining geomechanics, mining-induced seismicity, blasting technology, numerical modelling and risk assessment for underground mining. His work connects industrial geomechanics with research and education.
His research addresses the behaviour and stability of underground excavations, seismic and dynamic effects in deep mining, and the use of numerical methods in mine design and safety assessment. He has participated in numerous national and international RDI projects, including Interreg Baltic Sea Region, Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe and EIT RawMaterials.
Within EUL, Krzysztof contributes an industrial and engineering perspective on the safe development, monitoring and reuse of underground infrastructure, while supporting international cooperation, project development and technology validation.
Vice Chair
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Helmut Mischo, Pr.Eng.
TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Institute of Mining Engineering and Special Civil Engineering, Germany
EUL focus
Underground mining methods, research and teaching mines, mine transformation, mining education and international cooperation
Helmut Mischo is Professor of Underground Mining Methods at TU Bergakademie Freiberg and Scientific Director of the university’s Research and Teaching Mine “Reiche Zeche”. His professional career combines academic research, mining engineering practice, education and the management of one of Europe’s established underground research and training environments.
His expertise covers underground mining methods, mine planning and operation, special civil engineering, mining education and the transformation of underground infrastructure for research, training and technology development. Through Reiche Zeche and international cooperation, he has extensive experience in connecting university research with industrial practice.
As Vice Chair of EUL, Professor Mischo contributes strategic experience in underground facility operation, mining engineering and higher education, supporting sustainable post-mining functions and the use of underground facilities for research, innovation, training and international collaboration.