Randall Hansen


Canada Research Chair in Global Migration

Tier 1 - 2024-10-01
Renewed: 2025-04-30
University of Toronto
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

416-978-4160
r.hansen@utoronto.ca

Research involves


Analyzing the reasons for, and solutions to, historical and contemporary forced migrations around the world.

Research relevance


This research will develop critical insight and information for governments and policy-makers seeking solutions to the refugee crisis, and will bridge divides between the global north and global south.

Research summary


Forced and voluntary migration shape global politics, economies and human rights, yet many of the most pressing issues remain poorly understood. As Canada Research Chair in Global Migration, Dr. Randall Hansen is providing insights into both historical patterns of migration (such as the history of forced migration after World War II) and modern crises.

He and his research team are exploring how global economic shifts since the 1970s have created a structural dependence on cheap labour, fuelling both irregular migration and labour trafficking. They are also investigating the political consequences of migration, particularly how refugee crises contribute to far-right populism and policy challenges. By producing historical analyses, policy recommendations and global migration frameworks, their work will help policy-makers develop more humane and effective migration policies. Ultimately, this will help democratic societies to balance border control with human rights protections.