In 2000, the University of California, Riverside Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering was established to capitalize on the advances of nanotechnology.  Robert C. Haddon was appointed as Director with the position of Distinguished Professor in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and the Bourns College of Engineering.

The Center has developed internationally recognized programs in nanomaterials and a strong effort in nanoelectronics, single electron devices, circuits based on nanodevices and new approaches to information processing involving quantum computing and spin electronics.