Dr Hanson’s research involves biomedical applications of engineering including system modelling and analysis. He is internationally recognised for this work through citations for his publications (2,013 total; h-index of 23 [Google scholar, May 2021]) in journals covering diverse disciplines such as Dysphagia (5 papers, 567 citations), Sensors & Actuators (64 citations), Psychological Medicine (80 citations), and J. Food Science (69). This work has also attracted the interest of international media (The Guardian, BBC, Time magazine) and is funded by UK charities, international corporations, and the National Institutes for Health (USA).

Dr Hanson is particularly interested in the biomechanics of swallowing and the use of texture-modification of foods and drinks to manage swallowing disorders, "dysphagia", often associated with ageing, stroke, dementia or cancer. He provides the engineering contribution to the first global standards for dysphagia diets: IDDSI.org.