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 • 01 Oct 2025
Unwrapping the link between plastic food packaging and female infertility
The impact of plastic food and drink packaging toxicants on unexplained female infertility will be investigated by University of Newcastle researchers.
News • 01 Oct 2025
Hope in healing: New care model to support survivors of brain injury from family violence
A Hunter research project will develop and test a supportive model of care for survivors of domestic and family violence who are impacted by a mild traumatic brain injury.
News • 26 Sep 2025
Better Left Said: New podcast helping Aussie men turn up the volume on mental health
Men across Australia are being invited to tune in to a powerful new podcast series, which explores men’s mental health through real, honest conversations.
News • 25 Sep 2025
University pays tribute to founding figure with building renaming
The legacy of Mr Griffith Hammond Duncan, Founding Principal of the Newcastle Teachers’ College, has been recognised at the University of Newcastle today with the School of Education building at Callaghan campus renamed in his honour.
News • 24 Sep 2025
$18.7 million boost for brain cancer breakthrough renews hope for families
A Newcastle-led research team, backed by national and international experts, is forging ahead in its mission to develop a life-saving treatment for the most aggressive and lethal of brain cancers – high grade gliomas (HGG), following the announcement of an $18.7 million Australian Government grant.
News • 22 Sep 2025
Celebrating young sports people of our region
Two exceptional young athletes, Lainee Harrison and Brin Liddell, have been named Sports Person of the Year at the University of Newcastle Sports Awards, celebrating their outstanding achievements on the national and international stage.
News • 19 Sep 2025
Scientists breed hope for endangered Littlejohn’s frog
For the first time, scientists have successfully bred the Littlejohn’s tree frog (Litoria littlejohni) in captivity. This marks a major milestone in the conservation of the endangered species.
News • 18 Sep 2025
Leading with respect: University launches Cultural Capability Training for industry
The University of Newcastle will take a leading role in shaping more inclusive, respectful and culturally responsive workplaces, opening its …
News • 11 Sep 2025
Honouring a trailblazer: New lecture series celebrates Professor Bob Morgan’s legacy
The University of Newcastle is proud to announce a new lecture series honouring Professor Bob Morgan AO, a globally recognised leader in Indigenous education, research, and knowledge.
News • 05 Sep 2025
Construction begins on the University of Newcastle’s new City Campus Student Accommodation
Construction has officially commenced on the University of Newcastle’s new City Campus Student Accommodation, with a sod turning ceremony taking place this morning at the site, located on the corner of Civic Lane and Worth Place, Newcastle.
News • 04 Sep 2025
University team takes out Eureka Prize for STEM inclusion
The University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge team has won an Australian Museum Eureka Prize, recognising its outstanding work in creating opportunities for students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
News • 03 Sep 2025
Students encouraged to apply for University of Newcastle’s Early Entry program
The University of Newcastle is reminding Year 12 students to submit their Early Entry application before midnight on Thursday to receive an offer in the first round of early entry offers.
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.