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 • 05 Dec 2013
New Face of Civil Engineering
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has named UON research academic Dr James Hambleton as one of 10 New Faces of Civil Engineering.
News • 04 Dec 2013
Guest Lecture: The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC, MP
Students, staff and guests of the Newcastle Law School were recently treated to an interesting and dynamic lecture by former …
News • 04 Dec 2013
Full employment on agenda
Top economic experts will discuss the legacy of higher unemployment and the need for true full employment in the wake of the global financial crisis.
News • 03 Dec 2013
Talking speech research
Five of the world’s top international speech pathologists are discussing their latest research at the three-day ‘Communicating Together’ Symposium in Newcastle
News • 03 Dec 2013
International stroke trial
A Hunter stroke drug trial that yielded rapid treatment benefits for patients will expand nationally and internationally
News • 02 Dec 2013
Take your marks for Special Olympics
Hundreds of swimmers will take their marks on the starting blocks today at The Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre located at the University’s Callaghan campus.
News • 29 Nov 2013
Jets re-sign UON students
UON students Jacob Pepper and Ben Kantarovski have signed with the Newcastle Jets for another two A-League seasons.
News • 28 Nov 2013
Humanities Academy
Associate Professor Rosalind Halton has been elected as an Honorary Fellow to the Australian Academy of the Humanities.
News • 26 Nov 2013
Monash Scholar
Electrical Engineering graduate Kumaran Nathan has earned a prestigious The General Sir John Monash Foundation scholarship.
News • 26 Nov 2013
Defence partnership
The Department of Defence has admitted the University as an Associate of the Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation (RPDE) Program.
News • 26 Nov 2013
Mining and mental health
Researchers from across Australia will attend a forum in Newcastle to discuss strategies to improve the mental health and well-being of the mining workforce.
News • 22 Nov 2013
Gastric Brooding Frog
University of Newcastle frog whisperer makes TIME Magazine 25 best inventions list
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.