Professor Hancock is the leading researcher in cold-formed steel structures in Australia and one of the leaders in the world. His research has been pioneering in many areas and has contributed, not only to Australian design standards, but also to design standards in Europe, North America and Asia. He has developed and assisted in the development of new structural engineering products, some of which have been patented and successfully commercialised. His research has influences the design of many leading steel structures including the Sydney 2000 Olympic Stadiums.