Dr. R. Karl Hanson is a globally renowned Canadian psychologist whose research fundamentally shaped the understanding and assessment of sexual abuse risk. Over more than three decades, Dr. Hanson has published over 175 scientific articles, meta-analyses, and reviews, establishing many of the foundational principles in risk assessment and treatment for individuals with a history of sexual offending.

He is best known as lead co-developer of actuarial risk assessment instruments, including the Static-99R, Static-2002R, STABLE-2007, and ACUTE-2007, which are now the most widely used tools worldwide for evaluating the risk and rehabilitation needs of those who sexually offend. These instruments are relied upon by professionals in corrections and forensic mental health settings across numerous countries.

Dr. Hanson also authored significant meta-analyses and publications clarifying the core principles of effective correctional rehabilitation, directly impacting intervention strategies for individuals who seriously offend for over 15 years.

He worked for over 25 years as a Senior Research Scientist with Public Safety Canada (1991–2017) and currently serves as Adjunct Research Professor in the Psychology Department at Carleton University, Ottawa. He also holds adjunct appointments at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson).

Dr. Hanson is President of the Society for the Advancement of Actuarial Risk/Need Assessment (SAARNA), a non-profit organization devoted to supporting robust research and the development of evidence-based tools for risk and needs assessment to enhance public safety and informed rehabilitation practice.

His career is celebrated with multiple distinguished awards, including career contribution awards from the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), the Canadian Psychological Association, Public Safety Canada, and the International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders. Based in Ottawa, Dr. Hanson continues to influence global policy and practices in sexual violence prevention, offender risk management, and effective rehabilitation.