The NSRI Academic Network harnesses the intellectual capacity and capabilities from the University of Nebraska System's (NU) four campuses to support the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and other federal agencies with national security missions.

In 2012, the DOD designated NU as a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). NSRI was formed to manage the UARC, provide support to USSTRATCOM mission areas and develop solutions to deter and counter chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) threats.

Addressing the complexities associated with today's and future threats requires NSRI to optimally leverage NU resources. Through this open network, NSRI shares public information with NU faculty, enabling them to learn about the institute's mission and potentially contribute their capabilities and capacity to solve national security challenges.