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.

News • 01 Aug 2024

Triple E Project to boost adolescent health engagement

The Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) Healthy Minds Research Program, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Newcastle and University of Sydney, have launched the Triple E Project, a research study aiming to improve adolescents’ engagement with health apps, empowering young Australians to enhance their physical and mental health.

News • 01 Aug 2024

Greater Charitable Foundation Equity Scholarship program calling for applications

Current and future University of Newcastle students seeking financial assistance to support their studies are now invited to apply for the latest round of the Greater Charitable Foundation Equity Scholarship program.

News • 31 Jul 2024

$1m Mark Hughes Foundation investment to accelerate race to brain cancer cure

The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) has today announced a $1m investment to bring two of Australia’s leading brain cancer research centres together in their mission to accelerate progress towards a cure.

News • 31 Jul 2024

A game of rat and mouse: Scientists track the movements of bird-eating rodents on Norfolk Island

Scientists have completed their first field trip to Norfolk Island as part of a Resilient Landscapes Hub project that aims to protect rare birds by tracking the movements of introduced rats and mice on the island.

News • 30 Jul 2024

University of Newcastle researchers to play key role in Offshore Wind Energy progress

The University of Newcastle will play a key role in supporting the growing offshore wind energy sector after today being named a key partner of the new Australian Centre of Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE).

News • 29 Jul 2024

Glen Turner Scholarship extended for another 10 years

The Minns Labor Government has extended the Glen Turner Scholarship with the University of Newcastle for ten more years, doubling the annual funding to $20,000.

News • 29 Jul 2024

Surgical researchers receive funding boost for blood clot prevention trial

A research trial set to revolutionise clinical decisions by surgical teams and potentially contribute to significant cost savings and environmental benefits to the health system has now been awarded a major funding boost.

News • 25 Jul 2024

University of Newcastle appoints contractor for major refurbishment at Callaghan Campus

The University of Newcastle has taken a major step forward in the transformation of the Health and Physical Education (HPE) building at Callaghan Campus, with the appointment of Graphite Projects as the main works contractor.

News • 25 Jul 2024

City of Newcastle honours research legacy of distinguished Laureate Professor Roger Smith

An internationally recognised researcher who has advanced our understanding of human birth has been named the 19th Freeman of the City of Newcastle. In a career that spans more than 35 years, Distinguished Laureate Professor Roger Smith AM has sought answers with his research into pregnancy, premature birth and stillbirth.

News • 17 Jul 2024

Strengthening trans-Tasman relationship with strategic partnership

The University of Waikato and the University of Newcastle have further strengthened their relationship with the signing of a strategic partnership agreement this month.

News • 17 Jul 2024

New research plants the seed to grow food crops with sea water

Budding new plant biology research is paving the potential to produce food crops that not only survive but thrive in salty conditions.

News • 16 Jul 2024

Matilda masters expanding her health career

After working in infectious disease during the COVID-19 pandemic, Matilda Boey knew she wanted to contribute further to Singapore’s health system, inspiring her to study a Master of Public Health.

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