Established in 1969 through a Center of Excellence grant from the National Science Foundation, the CAUR now offers services within and outside the university system to biological, biomedical sciences, plant biology, geology, chemistry, textiles, archaeology, agriculture, physics, and nanotechnology/materials analysis.

The Center is a unique medley of state-of-the-art equipment, a highly competent technical staff, and a broad education mission. These three ingredients, plus the treatment of each client's scientific problem as being individually unique maximizes the use of the facility. The Center fulfills its research, teaching, and service functions as mandated by the University system.

The Center is co-directed by Dr. Paul Schroeder and Dr. John P. Shields, and supported by Adacemic Professional, Dr. Jianguo Fan and by Administrative Associate, Ms. Sara Karlsson Looney.