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
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News • 18 Dec 2025
Former Australian Prime Minister honoured at University of Newcastle graduations
His Excellency the Honourable Dr Kevin Rudd AC was today recognised for his extraordinary contributions to the nation, public life, and diplomacy with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Newcastle.
News • 17 Dec 2025
Breaking barriers: First doctors graduate from equity pathway
Their backgrounds are vastly different, yet one thing bonds them – they made history when entering their medicine degree together five years ago.
News • 16 Dec 2025
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Dr Suzan Makhloof is a decorated lecturer in linguistics and cross-cultural communication, teaching English in Hunter schools to students from diverse backgrounds. Marking the completion of the PhD in linguistics, she will cross the stage at University of Newcastle graduation on Tuesday, 16 December.
News • 15 Dec 2025
Injury to aid: brain trauma prompts vow to help students prosper in special education
From being directed ‘not to learn anything new’ four years ago, Ruby Jones could not have transformed her trajectory in a more extravagant way. Marking the completion of her Bachelor of Education, she will cross the stage at the University of Newcastle ceremony on Monday, 15 December.
News • 12 Dec 2025
A gift of life inspires a future in science
For Bachelor of Science (Advanced) graduate, Jessica McCourt, the culmination of her studies represents far more than a university degree – it marks a journey defined by grit, perseverance and remarkable poise in the face of health challenges.
News • 12 Dec 2025
Life-changing pathway delivers first doctors as graduations cap off 60th year
The University of Newcastle will culminate its 60th anniversary year by celebrating the first doctors to graduate from its Excellence …
News • 11 Dec 2025
Scientists find a fast, new way to recover high-grade silver from end-of-life solar panels
University of Newcastle researchers have developed a fast, safe and highly effective method to recover high grade silver from end-of-life solar panels, without using acid.
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.
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.