Our Purpose
Mission: Provide novel research, technology, training and expertise to improve the U.S. capability to deter, interdict and respond to strategic threats.
NSRI carries the DOD designation of University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) on behalf of the University of Nebraska System. NSRI's designation is sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska. NSRI is one of only 15 DOD UARCs in the country. It was established in 2012.
Active Projects
Defense Health Agency
$24.5 million
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
$5 million
U.S. Transportation Command
$800,000
DOD Naval Surface Warfare Center
$430,000
University of Nebraska Collaboration Initiative
$75,000
NSRI Fellows
In 2024, 11 UNL faculty joined the NSRI Fellows Program, bringing UNL's total participants in the program to 81 faculty.
NSRI Fellows aim to apply their expertise to national security challenges across NSRI's research portfolio. They are nominated by their peers, confirmed by NSRI leadership and endorsed by campus research offices.
Fellows have formed eight working groups to create purposeful technical conversations and position expertise to pursue opportunities. Four UNL faculty lead working groups of fellows to catalyze technical discussions and project proposals — Ben Riggan, AI/ML; Rebecca Lai, chemical defense; Can Vuran, JEMSO; Eric Markvicka, wearable sensors.
Fellows also lead and attend the annual NSRI Fellows Conference to engage with each other, current and former government sponsors and NSRI staff.
Search our publications database!
Curated to feature publications from NSRI Fellows
Researcher Features
Strategic Collaboration
NSRI and the UNL Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources continue to collaborate for action within the food, agriculture and environment security research focus area that launched in 2023. Meghan Jackson joined the team as FAES director in fall 2024.
Read announcement releaseFocus Area DetailsStudents of NSRI
One of the most critical challenges in the future of national security is workforce. Students can contribute to direct-funded research projects and through NSRI's annual summer internship focused on strategic deterrence. In total, 14 UNL students contributed to NSRI research this year — 10 worked on government-funded projects and four served as NSRI strategic deterrence interns.
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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
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.
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