College of Engineering, Science and Environment

Our incredible University of Newcastle community came together yet again to shape a better, fairer and more sustainable tomorrow through our 2024 Gifting Day.

In February 2024, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) published, for the first time, the gender pay gaps of almost 5,000 employers. At a recent event, members of the HunterWiSE Network explored the factors that contribute to the gender pay gap, and actions that are being taken to close the divide.

Almost 350,000 tonnes of dry biosolids, or treated sludge from wastewater, are generated annually in Australia. This is a significant potential new nutrient source for the agriculture industry. However, heavy metals and emerging contaminants, particularly PFAS, found in biosolids is putting a considerable constraint on its use.

At its meeting on 30 August 2024, the University Council passed a special resolution approving an increase in the number of its elected student members. From 1 January 2025, student representation on the Council will include an undergraduate and a postgraduate student position providing for a greater diversity of student perspectives.

A project which aims to improve preparedness for the escalating threat of heatwaves in regional NSW, has been awarded more than $1.3m funding through the Disaster Ready Fund – an Australian Government initiative that supports projects which address the physical and social impacts of disasters on communities.

Around 5,000 people are expected to explore the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan and City campuses when the University opens its doors from 9am–3pm on Saturday 31 August.

‘Solving the STEM Teacher Shortage’ - the recent HunterWiSE event hosted in collaboration with I2N - was an opportunity for current and prospective teachers, as well as people with an interest in the future of STEM education, to come together to share ideas and discuss a pressing issue.

To celebrate National Science Week, the University of Newcastle is hosting a unique community event on Thursday that will delve into interesting, quirky and impressive research in science, technology and the environment.

Avril Dunn is the Co-founder of EI Platform, a tech startup revolutionising the way businesses and property managers understand and control their energy usage.

A team of high school students have received further recognition for their innovative HunterWiSE project, aimed at improving accessibility in supermarket self-checkout systems.

Scientists have completed their first field trip to Norfolk Island as part of a Resilient Landscapes Hub project that aims to protect rare birds by tracking the movements of introduced rats and mice on the island.

The University of Newcastle will play a key role in supporting the growing offshore wind energy sector after today being named a key partner of the new Australian Centre of Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE).