CITRIS (Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society), one of the California Institutes for Science and Innovation, was established to sponsor collaborative information technology education and research that will ultimately provide solutions to grand-challenge social and commercial problems affecting the quality of life of all Californians and others around the world. Applications of CITRIS research include improvements to energy efficiency, transportation, environmental monitoring, seismic safety, education, cultural research and health care. The new building includes flexible teaching and research facilities, a center for distance learning and a state-of-the-art nanofabrication laboratory.