NSRI At A Glance
$326+ Million
Total awards
since 2012
195
Total contracts and grants
since 2012
50+
NU principal investigators leading projects through NSRI since 2012
19
Current, active projects
contracted through NSRI
Our Purpose
NSRI stands among an elite force — one of only 15 University Affiliated Research Centers designated by the U.S. Department of War. Since 2012, the institute has helped transform the University of Nebraska System's academic power into decisive national security solutions, sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command. Together, we are not just imagining the future of deterrence — we're building it.
NSRI Academic Network
Addressing the complexities associated with today's and future threats requires NSRI to optimally leverage NU resources. Through this open network, NSRI harnesses NU's capabilities to showcase to the federal government. It also shares public information with NU faculty, enabling them to learn about the institute's mission to potentially contribute solutions to national security challenges.
60 UNL faculty are members of the network, representing the following disciplines.
Agronomy & Horticulture
Analytical Chemistry
Animal Science
Anthropology
Astronomy
Biochemistry
Biological Process Development
Biological Sciences
Biological Systems Engineering
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Chemistry
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Computer Science & Engineering
Computing
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Food Science & Technology
Journalism
Mechanical & Materials Engineering
Natural Resources
Physics
Plant Pathology
Political Science
Psychology
Risk & Crisis Communications
Trade & Finance
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Veterinary Medicine & Microbiology
Highlighting Expertise
AI for national defense: Engineer applies layered expertise for force protection
Dr. Benjamin Riggan, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering
"NSRI has been extremely beneficial in introducing me to new collaborators, even within the University of Nebraska System. It gives me the opportunity to learn what other talented faculty are working on. Often, there’s great synergy between seemingly very different areas, and we can come together to find solutions to difficult problems."
Sustainable Energy from a Microscopic Source: Microbiologist Pursues Future Fuel Sources
Nicole Buan, Professor of Biochemistry
"My NSRI colleagues and I have been discussing how we might recommend revisions to biosafety practices at the national level. Bringing forth a sustainable bioeconomy will require engineering organisms, and we want to do that in a safe and secure way. It’s important that practitioners are involved in these discussions so we can develop policies and procedures that don’t impede research but provide assurance to those not involved that it’s safe, so it can be widely adopted."
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Faculty Feature: Dr. Martha Morton
Director of research instrumentation and research professor in the department of chemistry
"Every national security problem must be diagnosed, and remedies must be tested. Analytical instruments play a role in diagnostics and testing to determine whether remediation might be useful. Designing the diagnostics is my specialty. No one diagnostic test fits every problem."
Search our publications database!
Featuring Capabilities
Throughout a series of articles, NSRI is featuring multiple NU capabilities for the food, agriculture and environment security.
Built Agriculture Environment
Agriculture Cyber
University of Nebraska researchers at forefront to address agriculture-related cyber vulnerabilities
Disease Research
NSRI leverages NU biosecurity, supply chain resilience expertise for critical disease research
Connecting with the DOW
Among the many individual and small group connections NSRI directors have made between UNL faculty and government representatives, there were three strategic events that featured UNL capabilities.
Military Health Systems Research Symposium
The MHSRS provides a venue for presenting new scientific knowledge resulting from military-unique research and development. It is the premier military or civilian meeting that focuses specifically on the unique medical needs of the Warfighter. NSRI is often an exhibitor at this event, displaying UNL research in 2025. Engage on LinkedIn >
NSRI Conference
"Building Resilience Against Emerging Threats," held in April 2025, featured 16 faculty as facilitators, breakout presenters and poster presenters as well as multiple students. Pictured: UNL student Laura Kirshenbaum and Dr. Nicole Buan, professor of biochemistry, sharing their poster with Brig. Gen. (Ret.) William King who presented a keynote at the event. Read event summary >
Agricultural Research Division Workshop
The fall 2025 the ARD workshop focused on food, agriculture and environment security with industry professionals and researchers to provide key insights into agricultural research for national security, key mechanisms for funding in a national strategic landscape and setting researchers up for success. Pictured: NSRI FAES Director Meghan Jackson presenting about NSRI's status as a University Affiliated Research Center, designated by the DOW.
Collaboration for Innovation
Since 2021, the University of Nebraska System has provided seed funding for projects in NSRI's mission area through the NU Collaboration Initiative. In total, 24 projects have been funded for $1.5+ million. Several have received additional funding and have been presented to potential government sponsors. In 2025, Dr. Shane Farritor was awarded funding for Delivery of surgical care by drone for NATO field exercise.
Students of NSRI
NSRI is inspired by University of Nebraska–Lincoln students who are pursuing research and careers in national security. Meet just a few of the many students who NSRI featured in 2025.
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Features
Mentions
Connect With NSRI
As the DOW-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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