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 • 23 Oct 2014
Cutting-edge science being aired at Asthma meeting
Respiratory clinicians and researchers are joining forces at the 10th annual Newcastle Asthma Meeting (NAMe10) this week
News • 21 Oct 2014
Excellence in Science and Engineering awarded
Two UON academics have been awarded prestigious accolades at the 2014 NSW Science and Engineering Awards.
News • 21 Oct 2014
200 cyclists saddling up for research ride
A bumper weekend for bike riding in Newcastle begins at 6.30am on Saturday, October 25.
News • 21 Oct 2014
UON in top 8 of Australian universities for health research
The University of Newcastle has attracted more than $17.8 million in NHMRC grants in the 2014 funding round.
News • 17 Oct 2014
Study reveals truth about diet in pregnancy
UON researchers have found there is no universal consensus on what constitutes an optimal diet for pregnant women
News • 14 Oct 2014
Survey to help parents tackle teen drinking challenges
Researchers have developed an online survey to help families navigate the challenges of teenage alcohol use.
News • 09 Oct 2014
Journey of a lifetime for Indigenous UON student
A chance to visit the most prestigious Universities in the US and UK is rare. UON student Ren Allan has this honour.
News • 08 Oct 2014
UON obesity researcher joins young leaders in Japan
Newcastle behavioural scientist, Rebecca Wyse, was one of only five Australians selected to attend international forum
News • 07 Oct 2014
Honorary Fellowship for former UON Chancellor
The Australian Psychological Society rarely bestows the title of Honorary Fellow. We are proud to announce that Professor Trevor Waring is a recipient.
News • 03 Oct 2014
International health leaders gather in Newcastle
Compassion and care in a changing world is on the agenda this week as UON hosts the 3rd Asia-Pacific International Conference on Qualitative Research in Nursing
News • 02 Oct 2014
Young women becoming more active, and more stressed
Young Australian women are fatter, fitter and more stressed than they were in the mid-’90s, according to the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
News • 02 Oct 2014
Researchers work to save languages from extinction
UON has been awarded three UK research grants from the Endangered Languages Documentation Programme, to help preserve a threatened Vanuatu language
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.