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 • 22 Aug 2017
New degree will engineer future healthcare solutions
UON has created a new degree in Medical Engineering to provide students with the skills and expertise needed to address future healthcare problems.
News • 22 Aug 2017
XXI World Congress on Safety & Health at Work 2017
The World Congress on Safety and Health at Work takes place every three years and Singapore is privileged to be hosting this event from 3 to 6 September 2017
News • 21 Aug 2017
No smoker left behind: helping all Australians quit
UON researchers are calling for better resources to aid all Australians to quit smoking, with particular focus on population subgroups at greater risk.
News • 21 Aug 2017
New approach for diagnosing and treating coeliac disease
A review article led by the University of Newcastle (UON) has revealed a recommended approach for the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease in Australia.
News • 18 Aug 2017
World's best animated films on show in Newcastle
The Newcastle International Animation Festival (NIAF) will extend across three days this year, featuring a selection of the world's finest bite-sized animations
News • 18 Aug 2017
Nuclear imaging trial aiming to clear up airway diagnosis
Hunter respiratory researchers are turning to nuclear medicine for a more advanced approach to phenotyping chronic diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive
News • 17 Aug 2017
Outstanding young scientific mind recognised
The significant work of a University of Newcastle (UON) researcher has been recognised at the prestigious 2017 NSW Young Tall Poppy awards
News • 16 Aug 2017
UON students marked as entrepreneurial trailblazers
Seven students from the University of Newcastle are set to pioneer the future of innovation as they undertake studies at the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship
News • 14 Aug 2017
New app revolutionising treatment for stroke patients
A world-first app developed in conjunction with UON will improve the rehabilitation process for patients suffering from an arm impairment due to stroke.
News • 14 Aug 2017
$100,000 grant for Newcastle STEM outreach program
The University of Newcastle’s innovative Science and Engineering Challenge has attracted a $100,000 grant from the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer’s office
News • 11 Aug 2017
News from the Larapinta Trail
Keep up-to-date with our trekkers on the Larapinta Trail, who are aiming to raise $130,000 to support Indigenous students and research into Indigenous health.
News • 11 Aug 2017
National forum to address Indigenous health
Australia’s leading health organisations will meet at UON for a National Partnership Forum.
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.