Jari Joutsenvaara has been appointed Development Manager of the Regional Excellence Research Group
Jari Joutsenvaara is an experienced project manager of international projects. Over the years, his work has expanded to include the broader development of research infrastructures, with a particular focus on building and coordinating international research projects. He holds a Master of Science degree (majoring in physics) and is a doctoral researcher at the University of Oulu’s mining engineering unit. His research explores the reuse potential of mining environments, especially from interdisciplinary and regional perspectives.
“My expertise lies in international project work and funding mechanisms – particularly the EU Horizon programme, through which I’ve been involved in several projects”, Joutsenvaara explains.
He also actively participates in research on underground physics, muography, and natural background radiation. Safety, near space, and future planetary missions are emerging themes in his research and projects.
Joutsenvaara is also one of the founders and a board member of Muon Solutions Ltd.
“My career at the University of Oulu has been strongly project-oriented. Initially, I worked in underground physics at the Pyhäsalmi research facility. Since then, my focus has increasingly shifted to the reuse of mining environments and the development of underground infrastructure, particularly through coordinating the Callio Lab research platform”, says Joutsenvaara.
An Opportunity to Support the Impact of the Research Group Is Inspiring
Joutsenvaara takes on his new role as Development Manager with enthusiasm and ambition.
“The Regional Excellence Research Group combines broad, socially significant research, and it’s a privilege to support its strategic growth. I see this position as a natural continuation of my previous career – working with project management, developing research infrastructures, and building multidisciplinary networks. I especially look forward to supporting the group’s societal impact and contributing to the long-term development of its research”, he says.
As Development Manager, Joutsenvaara’s mission is to support the group’s strategic profiling, assist the research director, and strengthen the overall capacity and networking of the team. He applies his expertise in international projects particularly to identify new funding opportunities and partnerships, with the goal of increasing the group’s international reach and influence.
“I also aim to build bridges between different university units and foster the creation of research initiatives that cross disciplinary boundaries. My work is guided by the belief that high-quality collaboration is essential for impactful research. That’s why I’m committed to developing lasting structures for collaboration – integrating research, regional development, and international networks into a sustainable whole”, Joutsenvaara states.
A Skilled Project Expert and Team Player
According to Professor Matti Muhos, Director of the Kerttu Saalasti Institute, the Regional Excellence Research Group gains an excellent team player as Development Manager – someone widely recognized in international networks in his field.
“Jari Joutsenvaara is an experienced and accomplished project manager and researcher in international Interreg and Horizon projects. He strengthens the Kerttu Saalasti Institute as an international research institute and brings valuable expertise to the institute’s management team, especially regarding EU framework programmes. His extensive network, particularly in the reuse of mining sites, related structural change, and expertise in underground and environmental physics, is a significant asset to the institute”, Muhos says.
Ossi Kotavaara, Research Director of the Regional Excellence Research Group, is also very pleased with Jari Joutsenvaara’s appointment.
“Our work is multidisciplinary and international, often conducted in close collaboration with development and educational organizations as well as businesses. Jari Joutsenvaara has an excellent ability and passion for building cooperation between actors and identifying the strengths of different experts and organizations through collaboration”, Kotavaara notes.
“As Development Manager, Jari brings to our daily work an exceptionally strong combination of network leadership and expertise in the highly topical theme of sustainably secured raw material availability. His solid background as a coordinator of international development projects provides a strong foundation for the research and societal impact work of the Regional Excellence Research Group”, Kotavaara adds.
Photo: Minna Kilpeläinen