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
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News • 05 Dec 2014
Operation Angel Award for UON academic
University of Newcastle Research academic has been honoured for her dedication to kidney health researchers in Indigenous Australians.
News • 04 Dec 2014
Stayin’ on Track
Stayin’ on Track is a program designed to transition young Aboriginal men to fatherhood through a user-developed website and smartphone app called Mood Tracker.
News • 02 Dec 2014
Humanities accolade
Professor Hugh Craig from UON's Centre for Linguistic and Literary Computing has been elected as a Fellow to the Australian Academy of Humanities.
News • 02 Dec 2014
DADEE activity program benefits daughters
University of Newcastle researchers have developed a world-first lifestyle program to enhance the physical and social-emotional well-being of young girls.
News • 28 Nov 2014
Defence partnership creates opportunities
Simulation training and education will be the focus of a cooperative relationship between the Australian Defence College and the University of Newcastle.
News • 28 Nov 2014
$1.7 million boost for Hunter cancer researchers
University of Newcastle cancer researchers have received a $1.7million boost to cancer research.
News • 21 Nov 2014
National recognition for healthy engagement
Developed by Professor Philip Morgan and his team at the University of Newcastle, Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids teaches dads to be positive-lifestyle role models.
News • 19 Nov 2014
Trial creates shift in lung disease care
A study by University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health is trialling new clinical therapies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).
News • 18 Nov 2014
Clean energy in conference spotlight
More than 30 renewable energy guest speakers will present on new technology, bio-energy, wind energy, solar energy, government and policy.
News • 14 Nov 2014
Visionary US mayor to visit Newcastle
Mr Murphy is a University of Newcastle President’s Visiting Fellow and will deliver major public talks in Sydney and Newcastle on Building 21st Century Cities.
News • 12 Nov 2014
Employer of Choice for Gender Equality
The University of Newcastle has achieved a citation as a Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.
News • 11 Nov 2014
UON's new medical facility wins design award
The University of Newcastle's cutting-edge medical facility houses purpose-built facilities to enhance the student experience.
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.