Goal 7:
Affordable and Clean Energy
Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency
The University of Newcastle provides programs to educate the local community about the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy.
In 2024, through the Centre for Organic Electronics (COE), we continued to raise awareness about solar technology and clean energy solutions. COE is a global leader in the exciting emerging field of 'functional printing', which uses conventional printing technologies to manufacture clever, high performing, low-cost materials to help solve some of the world's greatest challenges.
The Centre for Organic Electronics is marrying the creation of clever electronic inks with well-established printing technologies to address global challenges spanning renewable energy, health & medicine, and mining safety.
Their core focus is on translating cutting edge research for real world impact. As such, they partner with business, industry and government to generate products, systems and services that benefit our global community.
The COE is multidisciplinary, with expertise spanning physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, health, design and communications. This depth and breadth of talent and expertise enables us to successfully manage projects from end-to-end.
Research themes include:
- printed solar
- biosensors & bioelectronics
- artificial colour retina
- scanning helium microscopy (SHeM)
- medical physics
Not just a hub for innovative research, the COE is one of the only research facilities in the world capable of also manufacturing printed electronic devices at commercial scale.
The University of Newcastle's Centre for Organic Electronics (COE) Successfully Hosted Its 14th Annual Spring School in 2024
In 2024, this three-day event provided undergraduate students from various disciplines, including Science, Math, IT, Engineering, and Medical Sciences, with an opportunity to explore cutting-edge research in organic electronics. The program featured lectures from local and international experts, hands-on experiences in COE labs, and interactive think tank sessions aimed at inspiring students to pursue research careers. Highlights included fabricating organic solar cells, operating advanced microscopes, racing simulated EV cars, and learning about Printed Solar and its recycling. Accredited by CIFAL Newcastle and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), students received formal recognition for their participation. The event, sponsored by Spruson & Ferguson Intellectual Property and the Australian National Fabrication Facility, saw students awarded for solar cell efficiency and EV racing. Following the event’s success, many students expressed interest in continuing their research journey with the COE.
In December 2024, University-made Printed Solar powered Coldplay concerts in COE partnership.
Coldplay has made significant commitments to sustainability, continuously exploring and applying new technologies to reduce their environmental impact. This partnership was another step towards achieving their ambitious sustainability goals to reduce their tour’s carbon emissions by 50%.
An array of 500 square meters (about twice the area of a tennis court) of Printed Solar was placed behind the seats behind the stage and elsewhere in the venue to collect power in battery packs. These batteries were then used to power Coldplay’s C Stage and fulfil other ancillary power needs throughout the venue.
Printed Solar uses organic photovoltaics (OPVs) which are a next-generation solar cell technology that uses organic compounds to convert sunlight into electricity. Now producing at scale with the support of the Newcastle Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) Hub, located at the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER). Manufactured with PET plastic using roll-to-roll printing techniques and fully recycled in-house, Printed Solar is one of the lowest emission-intensive energy sources available.
Dr Ben Vaughan, Hub Manager for the ANFF, says Printed Solar has enormous potential for a variety of applications.
Members of TRaCE, NIER, COE and Kardinia Energy backstage at Accor Stadium.
The COE team in Newcastle holding up a roll of Printed Solar designed for the Coldplay concert.
COE, the University of Newcastle Australia 5:43
Learn more
News • 09 Dec 2025
University of Newcastle’s I2N takes out top honours
The University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) has been named the most recommended startup accelerator in Australia by Startup …
News • 08 Dec 2025
HMRI celebrates excellence in research and innovation at 2025 awards
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) recognised the outstanding achievements of its research community at the 2025 HMRI Awards, held at Newcastle City Hall on Friday evening.
News • 01 Dec 2025
Exercise for students with disability boosts wellbeing beyond the classroom
An innovative school exercise program targeting students living with a disability has shown short bursts of physical activity during the school day significantly improve health and learning outcomes.
News • 28 Nov 2025
University of Newcastle previews new Gosford building
The University of Newcastle has taken a major step in expanding higher education on the Central Coast, with construction now complete on the new Gosford Central building on Mann Street ahead of its Semester 1, 2026 opening.
News • 26 Nov 2025
Sustainable beauty innovators and blood donation champions among students recognised at Employability Excellence Awards
The University of Newcastle has recognised its next generation of change-makers, from entrepreneurs tackling waste and sustainability, to passionate leaders driving community health initiatives, at this year’s Employability Excellence Awards.
News • 26 Nov 2025
Early career researchers awarded more than $2.1m ARC DECRA funding to drive future innovation
Four outstanding early-career researchers from the University of Newcastle have secured more than $2.1 million in the highly competitive Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards (DECRA).
News • 24 Nov 2025
Over 9,000 young lives transformed as Children’s University turns 10
More than 1,100 children from 48 schools across the region will don their cap and gowns as they graduate from the University of Newcastle’s Children’s University (CU) program this week, marking 10 years of the initiative.
News • 20 Nov 2025
We’re not going anywhere: Muswellbrook faces transition beyond coal head on
As the Hunter region of New South Wales inches toward the closure of the state’s largest coal mine, Muswellbrook community members are urging industry to leave a positive legacy in their wake.
News • 19 Nov 2025
University showcases achievements at NSW Parliament
University of Newcastle students and staff will visit NSW Parliament today to highlight the university’s contribution to the region over …
News • 19 Nov 2025
Attributed to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Statement from the University on financial position
The Australian Institute’s analysis of the University of Newcastle’s financial position misunderstands how Australian universities operate. The claims made do …
News • 18 Nov 2025
A Celebration in Sound — musical generations unite to amplify 60 years of unwavering talent
The University of Newcastle’s Great Hall will come alive with the musical talents of local artists and generations of alumni this weekend, as the University further marks its 60th year with a powerful Celebration of Sound.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.