Dr Daisuke Fukuda is an associate professor at Hokkaido university, Japan, and he got his PhD from the same university in 2012. His PhD involved a study on controlled fragmentation of rock-like material and numerical design method, in which controlling/optimizing blast-induced and deflagration-induced dynamic fracture of rocks were studied using the numerical methods, lab/field tests. His main research interest is rock dynamics, especially for controlled rock blasting. He has been actively developing a blasting simulator based on the combined FEM/DEM(FDEM), Peridynamics, SPH etc., and he will introduce some of the recent developments in today’s talk.

Andrea Lisjak is the numerical modelling lead and a co-founder of Geomechanica Inc. (Toronto, Canada), an engineering company that develops simulation software and provides simulation-aided, technical consulting and laboratory testing services. Andrea leads the development of new simulation capabilities in Geomechanica's finite-discrete element simulation software (Irazu) and carries out consulting activities in several fields of geomechanics. Andrea holds BSc and MSc degrees in civil engineering from the University of Trieste, Italy, and a PhD degree in rock mechanics from the University of Toronto, Canada.

David is a Principal Engineer and Director with Itasca Australia. He has a Bachelor of Geological Engineering from RMIT University and a Master of Mining Engineering from Curtin University. He also has the status of Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia. David has over 25 years of experience in geotechnical investigation and analysis for both mining and civil projects, including operational and consulting roles. Since joining Itasca 15 years ago, David has undertaken numerical back analyses and forward analyses for numerous projects around the world.