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 • 27 Nov 2017
Fat cells a key suspect for endometrial cancer in obese women
An underlying mechanism linking obesity with the development of endometrial cancer has been demonstrated for the first time
News • 24 Nov 2017
New Centre for Rehab Innovations
UON has established Australia’s first Centre for Rehab Innovations (CRI).
News • 23 Nov 2017
NSW Government provides additional $3m to medicinal cannabis research
The NSW Government has announced it will provide more than $3m in funding for medicinal cannabis research to the Australian …
News • 22 Nov 2017
Research helping to reduce alcohol-related violence
Outstanding behavioural scientist, Professor Kypros Kypri from the University of Newcastle, has received a Sax Institute's 2017 Research Action Award.
News • 21 Nov 2017
Reaping the benefits of agricultural waste
Revolutionary technology is being developed in partnership with the University of Newcastle that will convert agricultural waste to biofuel for the first time.
News • 21 Nov 2017
Bright star of Australian science recognised with Academy Awards
Associate Professor Shanyong Wang was honoured with the 2018 John Booker Medal
News • 21 Nov 2017
Radiation Therapy students shine in the name of cancer research
Students Katie Sadler and Jack Bowman have been awarded a place in the Crestani Research Program
News • 17 Nov 2017
Study aiming to achieve body balance after gestational diabetes
The University of Newcastle is trialing a new diabetes risk-reduction program called Body Balance Beyond
News • 15 Nov 2017
UON Laureate Professor awarded a prestigious Visiting Professorship
Laureate Professor Paul Foster FAHMS, a global leader in respiratory research, has been appointed as the Visiting Professor at the National University of Singap
News • 13 Nov 2017
$12.2m to support Newcastle’s vital health and medical research
UON has attracted $12.2m in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council funding
News • 10 Nov 2017
Sex, Science and Society after 40 years of IVF
Today marks 40 years since the conception of the world’s first In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) child.
News • 10 Nov 2017
More than $6.7 million to drive the future of research
UON researchers were awarded $6.3 million to fund 16 Discovery Projects and $365,000 for a prestigious Discovery Early Career Researcher Award.
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.