The National Security Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Minnesota will serve as a national hub to drive interdisciplinary partnerships on national security-related funding opportunities. NSRI will advance leading-edge research and workforce training programs that deliver significant value for the sponsor. NSRI will promote and sustain strategic partnerships with government agencies, DoD and national labs, defense-oriented entities, academia, and industry.
On February 24, 2025, RIO hosted a National Security Research and Innovation Day Conference. This event brought together business and industry partners, national agency representatives, research laboratory leaders, and UMN researchers to explore the latest developments and learn about fundamental advancements taking place at the university.
Operating Structure
NSRI's programmatic and operating structure is modeled after DARPA, which emphasizes the accelerated outcomes that drive transforming scientific and technological impacts.
NSRI Model
In the start, NSRI will focus on selected technological areas. Each area will be managed by a project manager that will develop funded programs by forming teams of NSRI members.
Guiding values:
- Emphasize high-risk, high-reward, and disruptive innovation.
- Operate with small, nimble, and agile funding for rapid prototyping.
- Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration with minimal bureaucracy.
- Empower project managers with autonomy to make quick decisions and drive projects.
- Focus on rapid results, with an acceptance of failure as part of the process.
- Encourage open competition and diverse participation in research.
Vision & Mission
Vision – To become a thriving national security research hub recognized for delivering leading-edge knowledge and discoveries that contribute to national interests.
Mission – To advance national security research and education, prepare the workforce for national security organizations, and enhance the impact of Minnesota and the University in the national security arena.
University Holds Inaugural National Security Research and Innovation Day
"At NSRI Day, between our researchers and all of our partners, we saw an amazing amount of activity and potential for more, as well as a new momentum for national security research, at the U and across Minnesota”
– Shashank Priya, Vice President for Research and Innovation