University's National Strategic Research Institute receives new 5 year, $92 million contract

June 13, 2018, 9:56 a.m. ·

The University of Nebraska’s National Strategic Research Institute or NSRI, has just been granted a new five-year, $92 million contract. This will allow research to be conducted on new ways to combat missiles, biological weapons and cyber-attacks on the United States.

The new contract will continue the University’s partnership with U.S. Strategic Communications (USSTRATCOM) and the Department of Defense. The NSRI has been conducting research since an initial $84 million contract started the institute in 2012.

Major Lindsey Wilkinson, an Operations Officer with USSTRATCOM, discussed the big picture of the research opportunities provided by the new contract.

“Additionally, NSRI provides unique access to academic perspectives and research methods not currently found anywhere in the Department of Defense (DoD). Providing this work to the university will ensure critical skill sets are nurtured, developed, and will remain available to the DoD for working combating Weapons of Mass Destruction issues in the future.” Maj. Wilkinson said.

More than 241 faculty, researchers and students from different fields have participated in 84 different research projects. The projects are focused on a variety of areas, including: nuclear detection and forensics, detection of chemical and biological weapons, passive defense against weapons of mass destruction, consequence management, and other mission-related research. Major Wilkinson says the diversity of research fields achievable by the institute is something that will continue.

“Much like the first UARC contract awarded in 2012, NSRI will continue to work with potential sponsors in the whole of government to craft specific, world-class research projects benefiting the Joint Warfighter through technology that will assist them in their missions.” Maj. Wilkinson said.

Both University and national defense agency officials are excited to see this program will continue to grow and develop with new possibilities for research.