The University of Newcastle will be centre stage tonight when two university-based projects go head to head with three others in the grand final of the ABC's 'The New Inventors'.

Professor Paul Dastoor, from the University's Priority Research Centre for Organic Electronics, took first place on the show last week with his organic solar-cell paint.

Professor Behdad Moghtaderi and Dr Elham Doroodchi, from the Priority Research Centre for Energy, won their round in April with the revolutionary new technology GRANEX - a geothermal power generator.

In last night's episode, judges selected the five best projects from the year based on originality, need, design, safety, manufacture and pricing, and the market.

The 2010 New Inventors winner will be announced in a special grand final episode tonight at 8.30pm.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Mike Calford, said Newcastle was one of two universities in the grand final and the only one with two inventions.

"Our researchers push the boundaries with their discoveries and their work has everyday application," Professor Calford said.

"Making it to the grand final is a significant achievement for these researchers and their teams. It's great to see national recognition for their groundbreaking work."

Professors Dastoor and Moghtaderi and Dr Doroodchi continue to develop their research through the new Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER).

"It is wonderful for two projects from NIER to be acknowledged for the quality of their research. Both of these projects are integral to the future of sustainable energy use," Dr Alan Broadfoot, NIER director, said.