The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska collaborates with the University of Nebraska at Omaha to bring forward its capabilities, expertise and innovations to the U.S. Department of War (DOW). The NSRI team is proud of our work together and looks forward to more opportunities throughout 2026!
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.
34 UNO faculty are members of the network, representing the following disciplines:
- Aviation
- Biology
- Biomechanics
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Counterterrorism
- Criminology
- Economics
- Health & Kinesiology
- Information Science & Technology
- Interdisciplinary Informatics
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
Highlighting Expertise
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Featuring Capabilities
UNO researcher Dr. George Grispos was featured in Part 2 of a three-part series focused on food, agriculture and environment security: "University of Nebraska researchers at forefront to address agriculture-related cyber vulnerabilities."
Connecting with the DOW
Among the many individual and small group connections NSRI directors have made between UNO faculty and government representatives, there were two strategic events that featured UNO capabilities.
Military Health Systems Research Symposium (MHSRS)
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 UNO research in 2025.
NSRI Conference: Building Resilience Against Emerging Threats
The NSRI Conference held in April 2025 featured five faculty as facilitators, breakout presenters and poster presenters. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li also addressed the faculty and government attendees, emphasizing UNO's national security research prowess and commitment. Pictured: Michelle Black speaking on breakout session panel.
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, two projects led by UNO principal investigators were funded: TRUST-V2X: Enhancing Security and Trustworthiness of AI in Multi-Modal Collaborative Sensing for Autonomous Vehicles to Everything by Peng Jiang and Exploring the Uses of AI to Improve Intelligence Gathering for Nuclear Deterrence by Deanna House.
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Connect With NSRI
As the University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designated by the U.S. Department of War, sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and affiliated with the University of Nebraska System, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) delivers solutions for strategic deterrence and CWMD mission requirements. 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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