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!
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.
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
Search our publications database!
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.
Inspiring Students
NSRI is inspired by University of Nebraska at Omaha students who are pursuing and activating careers in national security. We also hope to inspire more to follow in their footsteps. Meet just two of the many students who completed NSRI's strategic deterrence internship.
Lauren Moss
During her time at UNO, Lauren, a recent graduate from the department of political science, contributed to research projects investigating Russia and China's views on strategic nuclear deterrence. Her contributions led her to experiences as an NSRI Strategic Deterrence Intern as well as a student researcher for the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education (NCITE) at UNO. She is currently continuing her career in strategic nuclear deterrence and national security at U.S. Strategic Command. She was featured in 2025.
Nate Ostdiek
Nate Ostdiek, a senior in the department of political science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, served as a 2024 NSRI Strategic Deterrence Intern, working closely with University of Nebraska at Omaha Associate Professor Michelle Black to execute a strategic culture assessment of adversarial deterrence conceptualizations. He was featured in 2025.
News
Features
Sep 09, 2025
Recent graduate from the department of political science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Jul 17, 2025
University of Nebraska researchers at forefront to address agriculture-related cyber vulnerabilities
Part 2 of series: NSRI food, agriculture & environment security
Mentions
Nov 05, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
UNO News | Sara Myers, Roni Reiter-Palmon & Jorge Zuniga
Oct 28, 2025
UNO News | Dario Ghersi
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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