Central Asian University Establishes International Board of Trustees
Press Release
Tashkent, Uzbekistan — August 11, 2025
Central Asian University Establishes International Board of Trustees
Central Asian University (CAU) has announced the establishment of its International Board of Trustees — a global advisory body bringing together distinguished experts in medicine, artificial intelligence, higher education, investment, and strategic development.
The Board of Trustees will provide strategic guidance, evaluate new initiatives, and foster global partnerships, reinforcing CAU’s position as a regional leader in education, healthcare, and research.
Key Areas of Focus:
Development of flagship projects, including the University Hospital, School of Nursing, digital transformation, and AI initiatives;
Expert review of educational, clinical, and research programs;
Support for international partnerships with universities, healthcare institutions, and technology companies;
Strengthening CAU’s global reputation and positioning it as a next-generation university.
Confirmed Members of the Board of Trustees:
Erica Komisar (USA) — Trustee for Institutional Strategy and People Development
HR strategist and psychoanalyst, founder of Komisar Wellness, and advisor on inclusive leadership, mental health, and advancing women’s leadership in education and healthcare. Published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, she has advised corporations, universities, and healthcare institutions. At CAU, she will develop HR and faculty strategies, implement inclusive and women’s leadership programs, promote mental health initiatives, and design socially responsible projects.
Zack Kass (USA) — Trustee for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
One of the world’s most recognized experts in artificial intelligence implementation. Formerly Head of Global Go-to-Market at OpenAI, where he oversaw the launch and scaling of GPT technologies. He now advises Fortune 500 companies, governments, and universities on ethical and sustainable AI integration. At CAU, he will lead AI integration into education and healthcare, launch technology programs, and strengthen international partnerships.
Simon Scrivens (UK) — Trustee for Clinical Strategy and International Partnerships
International healthcare expert with over 30 years of experience, including leadership roles in the NHS (UK), Cleveland Clinic, and Mayo Clinic. Former Managing Director of Sodexo Healthcare UK and advisor to Mayo Clinic Healthcare London. At CAU, he will oversee the university hospital strategy, clinical network development, global collaboration, and patient-centered approaches.
Dr. Akhmadjon Irmukhamedov (Denmark) — Trustee for Clinical Innovation and Medical Education
Cardiothoracic surgeon with more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience, including as Senior Surgeon at Odense University Hospital (Denmark). Currently heads the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Tashkent International Medical Center. At CAU, he will integrate clinical practice into education, develop cardiac surgery training modules, and plan the University Hospital’s infrastructure.
Prof. Dr. Martain Loonen, MD, PhD, FCC(Plast) (Netherlands) — Trustee for Global Surgery and Academic Collaboration
Professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery with international experience in Europe and the Middle East. Former Medical Director at King’s College Hospital (UAE) and consultant at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital (Dubai). At CAU, he will advance global surgical education, scientific publications, academic exchanges, and integration of advanced educational standards.
Dr. Alexander Minich (Belarus) — Trustee for Residency and Medical Workforce Development
Urologist and mentor to clinical residents, with experience in leading European medical institutions. At CAU, he will guide residency strategy, modern clinical competency assessment, faculty development, and workforce planning in alignment with national healthcare priorities.
Prof. Dr. Igor Burceff, MD (Switzerland) — Trustee for Patient Safety and Clinical Quality
Anesthesiologist with extensive international experience in perioperative safety, intensive care, and simulation-based medical training. At CAU, he will oversee patient safety standards, emergency and intensive care infrastructure, and the integration of simulation technologies in education.
The Board’s collective expertise covers academic strategy, healthcare, clinical governance, medical education, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable development. It also brings strength in international cooperation, talent management, HR, educational technology, biotechnology, and investments.
“The creation of the Board of Trustees is a milestone in CAU’s institutional development. We are committed to global quality standards, openness, and strategic dialogue. The Board’s members are professionals whose ideas and expertise will help CAU move forward with both a global vision and a strong sense of regional responsibility,” said Kamran Gulamov, Rector of Central Asian University.
New appointments to the Board will be announced soon. More information about the Board of Trustees is available at: www.centralasian.uz