Goal 7:
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 • 16 Jul 2024
Brendan constructs new life path after government career
Coming to University after a 12-year career in government, Brendan Bowler was looking to try something new and found his passion along the way.
News • 15 Jul 2024
Every student journey celebrated at University of Newcastle graduations
More than 1,200 students will don their caps and gowns to celebrate their study achievements during six graduation ceremonies this week at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus.
News • 15 Jul 2024
Heath scores Wollotuka support to succeed
As a young country boy from Bourke with aspirations of being an NRL player, Barkindji man Heath Gibbs never thought University was an option for him.
News • 15 Jul 2024
Returning to study marketing, Rebecca meant business
Rebecca Cramp started university straight out of high school but decided, at the time, it wasn’t for her. Seven years later she returned with a renewed sense of purpose.
News • 08 Jul 2024
Australian-first network to drive collaboration across digital health research and education
The University of Newcastle has been announced an inaugural member of an Australian first, national, cross-university network that will advocate for, and advance digital health, through collaboration and evidence-based research.
News • 25 Jun 2024
Illuminating safety and community spirit
Produced by an interdisciplinary team from University of Newcastle, four digital display structures were recently installed in City Park, Penrith, …
News • 19 Jun 2024
Professor Jenny May appointed National Rural Health Commissioner
University of Newcastle’s Professor Jenny May, AM, has been appointed Australia’s National Rural Health Commissioner.
News • 18 Jun 2024
Bladder cancer MRI trial taking place in the Hunter
Clinical researchers from the John Hunter Hospital, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the University of Newcastle are investigating a way to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.
News • 18 Jun 2024
Scientists unearth stingrays’ heavy lifting role in estuaries
A new study led by University of Newcastle PhD student Molly Grew has uncovered the significant role stingrays play in shaping estuaries, revealing threatened stingrays in Brisbane Water may move more than 21,000 tonnes of sand per year.
News • 18 Jun 2024
University of Newcastle welcomes new Director of Infrastructure and Facilities
The University of Newcastle is pleased to announce Kevin McCarthy’s recent appointment as the new Director of Infrastructure and Facilities Services.
News • 14 Jun 2024
Laureate Professor Talley named on global best scientists in medicine list
Neurogastroenterologist Distinguished Laureate Professor Nick Talley has been ranked number one in Australia and 171st globally on an international ranking recognising the world’s top scientists in the field of medicine.
News • 13 Jun 2024
Doctors join historic gathering in the Torres Strait
A University of Newcastle doctor and medical student recently joined a group of Torres Strait Islander doctors on Waiben (Thursday Island) after calls for better access to health.
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.