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 • 03 Apr 2017
Box jellyfish stings warrant an icy reception
A new study at the University of Newcastle has tested the effectiveness of hot water treatment for pain relief of box jellyfish.
News • 03 Apr 2017
Historic images provide Newcastle a new window into WWI
Windows into Wartime depicts how communities across NSW worked together to support Australia's war efforts during and immediately after WWI
News • 31 Mar 2017
Launch of Global Impact Cluster for Energy, Resources, Food and Water
The new Global Impact Cluster is aimed at accelerating innovation to solve global issues
News • 30 Mar 2017
World-first SMS program combats mental health risks among new dads
92 per cent of participating dads found Mood Tracker app successful in improving mental health
News • 28 Mar 2017
TEDx Speech by BEnvOHS Graduate
"Every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident..." In his talk, Mr. Shah Mohammad Saidur Rahman discussed about …
News • 27 Mar 2017
Study strikes a nerve with the spread of cancer
Parallels between tissue regeneration, nerve growth and tumour development, research finds.
News • 14 Mar 2017
Can a good night’s sleep be secret to diabetes prevention?
A new project from UON and HMRI is hoping to unlock whether sleep is the missing link in long-term, healthy weight loss.
News • 13 Mar 2017
Laureate Professor title awarded
Professor Rodney Scott has been recognised for his contributions in the field of genetics in medicine.
News • 09 Mar 2017
UON launches new home of creativity
UON launches the fusion of its creative disciplines into a cutting-edge School of Creative Industries.
News • 02 Mar 2017
Indigenous trailblazer honoured
UON graduate Karlie Noon, the first Indigenous student in NSW to obtain a double degree in science and mathematics has been honoured in Press Club address.
News • 02 Mar 2017
Hunter to test stroke detector
A revolutionary timesaving diagnostic device called the Stroke Finder helmet is being trialled by the Hunter Medical Research Institute for the first time
News • 02 Mar 2017
Funding boost for Newcastle cancer researcher
Conjoint Professor Stephen Ackland has received $450,000 to further treatment for rectal cancer
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.