Sara K. Thompson Ph.D
Professor of Criminology, Toronto Metropolitan University
2021, 2023
Dr. Sara K. Thompson is a Professor of Criminology at Toronto Metropolitan University and was Associate Director of the Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security and Society (TSAS) from program inception to close (September 2012 – May 2023). Thompson also co-Chairs the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Research Advisory Committee and is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Counter Terrorism and National Security CVE Committee. Her recent and ongoing research focuses on policing, hate crime, radicalization to violence/violent extremism, community reporting thresholds and preferences in the context of hate and extremist violence, and the evaluation of violence prevention programs and policy. Since 2012, she has been involved as Principal Investigator on a number of major research projects funded by the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), Public Safety Canada and Defence Research & Development Canada. Thompson has presented on her research at a range of domestic and international academic and practitioner conferences, and has briefed high-level government, police and other security officials on issues related to hate crime, terrorism/violent extremism and program evaluation. Thompson’s research activities involve mixed-methods and community-based participatory methodologies, deep engagement with practitioners, and diverse knowledge mobilization activities to facilitate real-world impact on policy and society.
At the Summit
The Summit offers a unique opportunity to confront the corrosive influence of bigotry and hatred in our society. In order for us to address these challenges, we first must acknowledge their painful and destructive impact in our communities and in our country. I am grateful to serve as a Global Advisor to this timely and powerful initiative.
