Research & development for scientific solutions

ready for the mission

Respond. Advance. Deliver.

One of only 15 University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) in the country designated by the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) works to ensure U.S. safety and preparedness against increasingly sophisticated threats. It is a non-profit research institute sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and affiliated with the University of Nebraska System.

Mission

As a UARC, NSRI is a trusted agent to the federal government, required to provide and maintain essential engineering, research and development capabilities needed by the DOD. NSRI works within the strategic deterrence and CWMD mission areas. Committed mission >

Capabilities

NSRI deepens U.S. strategic and operational understanding of 21st-century national security implications by providing research, development, testing, evaluation and training across the threat spectrum and in multiple domains. Innovative capabilities >

Workforce

Undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral scientists participate in ground-breaking research through NSRI. Working with top researchers prepares students for employment within the DOD and other national security agencies. Inspiring workforce >

Experienced Scientists & Strategists

With hundreds of years of experience working in or in support of the DOD, NSRI's leadership team is dedicated, knowledgeable and ready to act.

Leadership

With hundreds of years of experience working in or in support of the DOD, NSRI's leadership team is dedicated, knowledgeable and ready to act.

NSRI collaborates with a multidisciplinary network of experienced University of Nebraska researchers who can help investigate and solve multiple defense-related challenges.

Researchers

NSRI collaborates with a multidisciplinary network of experienced University of Nebraska researchers who can help investigate and solve multiple defense-related challenges.

As USSTRATCOM's UARC, NSRI accesses multiple leverage points to focus on strategic deterrence requirements, advocates for paths-to-solutions for federal agencies and delivers cutting-edge research.

USSTRATCOM Sponsorship

As USSTRATCOM's UARC, NSRI accesses multiple leverage points to focus on strategic deterrence requirements, advocates for paths-to-solutions for federal agencies and delivers cutting-edge research.

NSRI At A Glance

$293 Million

Total awards
since 2012

188

Total contracts and grants
since 2012

44

NU principal investigators leading projects through NSRI since 2012

27

Current, active projects
contracted through NSRI

Research Portfolio

Releases & Features

Apr 25, 2025

NSRI convenes annual conference to bridge academia, defense for critical R&D advancement

Apr 24, 2025

AI for national defense: Engineer applies layered expertise for force protection

Dr. Benjamin Riggan, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Mar 27, 2025

NSRI welcomes 40 NU faculty to academic research network

Media Mentions

May 07, 2025

Grains of truth: New focus issue explores how pathogens and pests of cereal crops undermine global food security

EurekAlert | NSRI Fellow Richard Wilson

May 06, 2025

H5N1 Bird Flu Cases Have Slowed in Animals and People

MedPage Today | NSRI Fellow James Lawler

May 02, 2025

UNL professor weighs in on growing power demands of artificial intelligence

1011 Now | NSRI Fellow Byrav Ramamurthy

More News

Connect With NSRI

As the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) of U.S. Strategic Command and the University of Nebraska System, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) delivers solutions for strategic deterrence and CWMD mission requirements gaps. Our rapid-response capabilities and efficient contracting vehicle can help federal government program managers meet critical research and development needs. Connect with us to learn more.

Get Started