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 • 27 Aug 2024
Massive Open Day expecting thousands
Around 5,000 people are expected to explore the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan and City campuses when the University opens its doors from 9am–3pm on Saturday 31 August.
News • 13 Aug 2024
All paths welcome at Central Coast Open Day
Around 1,000 people will be welcomed to the University of Newcastle Central Coast campuses this Saturday 17 August, as the community is invited to explore world-class facilities and experience what university has to offer.
News • 13 Aug 2024
Glimpse inside clever minds at University Science Week event
To celebrate National Science Week, the University of Newcastle is hosting a unique community event on Thursday that will delve into interesting, quirky and impressive research in science, technology and the environment.
News • 12 Aug 2024
HMRI leads national evaluation of medical research funding scheme
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) has been selected to lead the evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of Stream 3 of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Rapid Applied Research Translation (RART) Grant.
News • 12 Aug 2024
University of Newcastle approved for innovative Health Education and Research Building transformation at Callaghan Campus
The University of Newcastle is set to embark on refurbishment works at the Health Education Research Building at Callaghan Campus, with the green light given on the project’s Development Application. This milestone paves the way for enhanced educational and research facilities at the University.
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.
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.