Affordable and Clean Energy
Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency
The University of Newcastle delivers community and school outreach that helps people explore energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and the role of engineering in a lower-emissions future.
Clean energy innovation in the Hunter
On 2 April 2025, the University's I2N Startup Stories program at the Honeysuckle Innovation Hub featured University alumnus Peter Richardson, founder and CEO of Facet Amtech. The public event explored how a Newcastle cleantech startup is making ammonia production cleaner and more energy efficient, using less energy while reducing emissions and manufacturing costs.
The session connected clean-energy research and entrepreneurship with the Hunter's startup community, showing how energy-efficiency innovation can move from the laboratory into practical industrial applications.
Peter Richardson, founder and CEO of Facet Amtech.
Energy learning through the Science and Engineering Challenge
The University's Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM outreach program delivered in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors. In 2025, more than 26,800 students from over 873 schools took part, including Challenge and Discovery Days in Newcastle, the Central Coast and other regional communities.
Energy and sustainability are built into the program's hands-on activities. In ElectraCITY, students design an electricity network for a model city and must find the most efficient, lowest-cost way to supply buildings while accounting for cable resistance and infrastructure costs. Other activities include wind-turbine design and environmentally responsive housing.
The 2025 event calendar included Newcastle Challenge Days from 4-10 April and Newcastle Discovery Days from 8-12 September, alongside events throughout New South Wales and every Australian state and territory.
The National Science and Engineering Challenge
Building energy literacy through practical outreach
These programs give school students, community members, innovators and local industry practical ways to engage with energy efficiency and clean-energy solutions. They connect technical concepts with real-world decisions about electricity use, industrial processes, renewable technologies and sustainable design.
2024 Annual Spring School
The University of Newcastle's centre for organic electronics (COE) successfully hosted its 14th annual spring school. 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.
COE, the University of Newcastle Australia 5:43
Learn more
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.
News • 14 Nov 2025
University of Newcastle appoints new Executive Director of Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER)
The University of Newcastle has announced the appointment of Dr Paul Ebert as the incoming Executive Director of the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), following an extensive international search.
News • 13 Nov 2025
National praise for world-leading program smashing gender norms
A groundbreaking father-daughter well-being program aimed at empowering daughters and their father-figures has received national recognition at last night’s Engagement Australia 2025 Excellence Awards in Sydney.
News • 12 Nov 2025
New research reveals hidden cost of supporting adult children
A new study has uncovered the hidden burden of the financial and practical support many Australian parents are bearing for their adult children.
News • 11 Nov 2025
University recognises trailblazing geologist and advocate for women in science
Professor Beryl Nashar AO OBE, a trailblazing geologist, educator, and one of the founding figures of the University of Newcastle, has been recognised at Callaghan Campus with the GP (General Purpose) Building named in her honour.
News • 06 Nov 2025
University of Newcastle moving the world through sport
By Alex Zelinsky. As printed in The Daily Telegraph 6 November 2025.
News • 31 Oct 2025
Science and Engineering Challenge celebrates National Finals
More than 240 High School students from eight schools across the country will put their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills to the test today when they take part in the national finals of The University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC).
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.