The University of Nebraska’s National Strategic Research Institute has been renewed with a five-year, $92 million contract with the U.S. Air Force.
Announced June 6, the renewal paves the way for a second phase of growth following an initial $84 million contract that launched the institute in 2012. A partnership between the NU system and United States Strategic Command, the institute researches methods to combat weapons of mass destruction and maintain the safety of the United States and its allies.
The new contract will expand research opportunities across all four NU campuses, helping meet the needs of U.S. Strategic Command and the Department of Defense.
“We are proud to perform critical research in many disciplines that contributes to national defense as part of NSRI,” Chancellor Ronnie Green said. “As one of America’s fastest-growing research universities, we look forward to building on our capacity to collaborate with University of Nebraska colleagues and Department of Defense partners.
“Our continued momentum and NSRI’s unique focus are delivering results on behalf of Nebraskans and all Americans.”
The institute is the newest of 13 university-affiliated research centers across the United States. Powered by faculty expertise, it focuses on five core areas: nuclear detection and forensics, detection of chemical and biological weapons, passive defense against weapons of mass destruction, consequence management, and other mission-related research.
Since its founding, the National Strategic Research Institute has engaged more than 241 NU faculty, researchers and students from a range of disciplines on 84 research projects.