Core Research Team

CHAIR was established in 2014 as an independent, not-for-profit member-based association dedicated to reducing exposure to pathogens in air, water and surfaces in healthcare.

CHAIR has a mandate to facilitate, guide, lead, initiate, educate, advocate and inform researchers, standards development organizations, regulators, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, advocacy groups, universities, colleges, healthcare organizations, healthcare practitioners, and industry on translational research and implementation of engineered infection prevention to achieve meaningful reduction in pathogen exposure through the physical environment.

CHAIR and its member supporters have a long history of contributing to CSA Standards development. Recently, CHAIR initiated and facilitated funding to CSA Group to develop the first CSA National Standard, Z317.12, Cleaning and Disinfection of Healthcare Facilities. The much anticipated second edition will be published this spring.

CHAIR and CHAIR members and supporters have initiated, led, project managed, undertaken or otherwise contributed to a number of research studies that support reduction of exposure to pathogens. These studies have helped to inform CSA National Standards, both directly and indirectly, including CSA Z8000, Design and Construction of Healthcare Facilities, Z317.1, Plumbing in Healthcare Facilities, Z317.2, HVAC in Healthcare Facilities, and Z317.12, Cleaning and Disinfecting Healthcare Facilities.

Richard Dixon, BSc, HSM, is the Co-Founder of CHAIR. He has the experience of a 40 year career in healthcare administration, planning, design, and operation including infection control, 10 years of experience managing scientific studies for infection control, and a long history of developing CSA Standards. Richard was presented with the CSA Award of Merit in 2018.

Barry Hunt, BSc, is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of CHAIR. He has the experience of a 40 year career in healthcare, laboratory, and industry research and development and 30 years of experience in CSA Standards development. Barry was previously the Vice-Chair of the Strategic Steering Committee for Healthcare where he initiated the HAI Task Force and CSA Express Document EXP06:15, Evaluating Emerging Materials and Technologies for Infection Prevention and Control.

Professor William A. Anderson, PhD, P Eng, is a leader in environmental and chemical engineering for infection control, with a focus on UV disinfection, antimicrobial materials, and air and water contamination. His extensive research and consulting experience includes testing air, water and surfaces and evaluating engineered measures to reduce pathogen exposure.

Dr. Elizabeth Bryce, MD, PhD is well-renowned in medical microbiology and infection prevention and control (IPAC), with dual qualifications in medical microbiology and internal medicine. As the Regional Medical Director for Infection Control at Vancouver Coastal Health and a Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia, she led groundbreaking research in environmental infection prevention, including innovative projects such as nasal photodisinfection therapy, UVC disinfection, and the use of copper surfaces in healthcare settings.

Roger Holliss, P Eng, is a Healthcare Engineering and Facility Manager Expert. He was a hospital Director of Engineering & Redevelopment for 20 years, past-President of the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society (CHES) and current President of Holliss Consulting Inc. Roger is a strong advocate for implementing science-based technologies to address hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). He is active on a number of CSA standards committees.

CHAIR is supported by a number of industry, academic and medical expert members, advisors and subject matter experts who contribute additional research, expertise, input and guidance.