Nebraska Institute of Great Plains

Advancing knowledge, sustainability, and community resilience across the Great Plains through innovative research, education, and partnerships since 1995.

Explore Our Programs View Research
31+
Years of Excellence
240+
Research Projects
85+
Expert Scientists
42+
Partner Institutions

About Our Institute

Advancing Great Plains Research Since 1995

The Nebraska Institute of Great Plains is a premier research institution dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique ecological, agricultural, and socio-economic challenges of the Great Plains region.

Founded in 1995, our institute brings together interdisciplinary teams of scientists, educators, and community partners to develop sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the environment.

Our work spans climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and rural community development across Nebraska and the broader Great Plains region.

Learn More About Us
Nebraska Institute campus and research facilities

Academic & Research Programs

Sustainable Agriculture Research

Sustainable Agriculture

Research and development of farming practices that increase productivity while conserving soil, water, and biodiversity.

Program Details
Climate Resilience Studies

Climate Resilience

Studying climate change impacts and developing adaptation strategies for Great Plains ecosystems and communities.

Program Details
Water Resource Management

Water Resource Management

Research on aquifer sustainability, irrigation efficiency, and water quality protection across the Great Plains.

Program Details

Research Areas & Initiatives

Climate Modeling for the Plains

Developing high-resolution climate models to predict precipitation patterns, temperature extremes, and drought frequency across the Great Plains through 2050.

Our research informs agricultural planning, water management, and disaster preparedness for communities throughout the region.

Carbon Sequestration in Prairie Soils

Investigating how native grassland restoration and regenerative agriculture can enhance carbon storage in soils to mitigate climate change.

Field studies across Nebraska demonstrate the potential for soil-based carbon capture while improving agricultural productivity.

Precision Agriculture Technologies

Developing drone-based monitoring systems and AI-powered analytics to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest management for Great Plains crops.

Field trials show 20-30% reduction in water use while maintaining or increasing crop yields.

Drought-Resistant Crop Varieties

Breeding and testing new varieties of corn, wheat, and sorghum with enhanced tolerance to water stress and temperature extremes.

Collaborative work with regional universities and seed companies to develop resilient crops for changing climate conditions.

Tallgrass Prairie Restoration

Re-establishing native prairie ecosystems to enhance biodiversity, improve water infiltration, and create wildlife corridors across agricultural landscapes.

Monitoring demonstrates significant increases in pollinator populations and soil health on restored sites.

Pollinator Conservation Initiatives

Research on native bee and butterfly populations, with development of management practices to support pollinator health in agricultural systems.

Partnering with farmers to implement pollinator-friendly practices across 50,000+ acres in Nebraska.

Rural Economic Resilience

Studying economic diversification strategies for rural Great Plains communities, including value-added agriculture, renewable energy, and ecotourism.

Community workshops and pilot projects help towns adapt to changing economic and environmental conditions.

Health & Wellbeing in Rural Areas

Research on healthcare access, food security, and mental health services in remote rural communities across the Plains.

Developing technology-based solutions and community partnerships to address health disparities.

Upcoming Events & Conferences

15 March 2026

Great Plains Water Summit

Annual conference bringing together researchers, policymakers, and water managers to address aquifer sustainability and water quality challenges.

Register Now
22 April 2026

Prairie Restoration Workshop

Hand-on training for landowners and conservation professionals on native grassland establishment and management techniques.

Learn More
10 June 2026

Climate & Agriculture Symposium

Exploring innovative solutions for climate-resilient farming systems in the Great Plains region.

View Agenda

Our Leadership Team

Dr. Eleanor Richards

Dr. Eleanor Richards

Director & Climate Scientist

Dr. Marcus Johnson

Dr. Marcus Johnson

Head of Agricultural Research

Dr. Sarah Chen

Dr. Sarah Chen

Water Resources Director

Dr. James Wilson

Dr. James Wilson

Ecosystem Conservation Lead

What Our Partners Say

"The Institute's research on sustainable irrigation practices has directly helped our farming operation reduce water use by 25% while maintaining yields. Their practical, science-based approach is exactly what agriculture needs."
Michael Thompson, Nebraska Farmer
"Our collaboration with the Nebraska Institute has been instrumental in developing climate resilience planning for communities across the state. Their data-driven approach and community engagement model sets a national standard."
Jennifer Rodriguez, State Climate Office
"As a graduate student at the Institute, I gained invaluable research experience and mentorship. The interdisciplinary approach prepared me perfectly for my career in environmental policy."
David Park, Alumni & Policy Analyst

Recent Publications

Feb
2026

Climate Resilience in Great Plains Agriculture

Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Volume 42, Issue 3. This comprehensive study evaluates adaptive farming practices across Nebraska and their effectiveness in maintaining productivity during extreme weather events.

Read Abstract →
Jan
2026

Groundwater Depletion Trends in the Ogallala Aquifer

Water Resources Research. Analysis of 20 years of monitoring data with projections for sustainable withdrawal rates under different climate scenarios through 2050.

Download PDF →
Dec
2025

Biodiversity Recovery in Restored Prairie Ecosystems

Conservation Biology. Longitudinal study tracking plant and animal community recovery across 15 restoration sites over 10 years.

View Full Article →

Contact Us

Visit Our Campus

123 Research Drive
Lincoln, Nebraska 68588

Call Us

Main Office: (402) 555-1234
Research Inquiries: (402) 555-5678

Email Us

General: [email protected]
Research: [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: By appointment only