NU-DOD partnership brings opportunities for UNMC researchers

The University of Nebraska has entered into a long-term partnership with the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base to create a University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) that will serve as a primary research and development center that supports USSTRATCOM’s missions to deter and detect strategic attacks against the United States and its allies, and to defend the nation as directed.

University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken, left, shakes hands with Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of the United States Strategic Command, at a Thursday news conference to announce that NU has been selected to host a University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) that will support USSTRATCOM’s missions.

Through the UARC — housed in the university’s National Strategic Research Institute, which the Board of Regents approved in May — NU will provide research and development services for USSTRATCOM in areas such as:

• Nuclear detection and forensics;
  
• Detection of chemical and biological weapons;
  
• Passive defense against weapons of mass destruction;
  
• Consequence management; and
  
• Space, cyber and telecommunications law.

“The UARC is a tremendous distinction for the University of Nebraska, which recognizes the outstanding capabilities of our faculty,” NU President James B. Milliken said. “This new UARC and the research it supports will be good for the university, the state and our nation.”

Draws on NU’s strengths

The UARC is a universitywide initiative that draws on a broad range of expertise from all four NU campuses. Faculty will have the opportunity to participate if their research aligns with federal funding opportunities.

The initial contract award from the Department of Defense to the university provides for up to $84 million over the next five years to support the early research activities of the National Strategic Research Institute.

UNMC primed to benefit

UNMC researchers stand to make significant contributions in several of the UARC focus areas, said Jennifer Larsen, M.D., vice chancellor for research.

“Over time we realized that our investigators have the expertise that STRATCOM and other defense agencies need and want,” Dr. Larsen said. “By forming this new collaboration, we hope to provide benefits for the defense of our troops as well as new funding opportunities for our investigators.”

Sen. Nelson lauds selection of NU

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee on the Senate’s Armed Services Committee, praised the selection of the University of Nebraska to host a UARC.

“The university has demonstrated its desire, capacity and expertise to conduct important research and development in areas relating to national security and defense,” Nelson said.

Select company

Only 14 U.S. institutions, including the University of Nebraska, host UARCs.

Other institutions that host UARCs include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Johns Hopkins University.