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 Oct 2025
Heart of the problem is short lifespan of disease prevention programs
Researchers will place Australia’s heart disease prevention programs under the microscope to determine why many fail to last beyond two years - and will develop solutions to help sustain them long-term.
News • 24 Oct 2025
University of Newcastle commemorates graduate excellence
The Alumni Excellence Awards were celebrated last night, recognising exceptional University of Newcastle graduates making an impact across diplomacy, arts, mental health, healthcare and human rights.
News • 23 Oct 2025
Grand Challenge winners share in $30,000 to bring circular economy ideas to life
From gamifying recycling to re-using decommissioned wind turbine blades, the University of Newcastle’s Grand Challenge has inspired winning ideas to support a circular economy.
News • 20 Oct 2025
University of Newcastle Launches Global Sport and Movement Collaborative to ‘Move the World’
The University of Newcastle has launched the Global Sport and Movement Collaborative (GSMC), a bold new initiative designed to tackle global challenges through sport, exercise, and innovation.
News • 13 Oct 2025
University of Newcastle gears up for 2026 expansion
The final touches are being placed on the University of Newcastle’s new campus at Gosford Central on Mann Street, with construction scheduled for completion next month.
News • 02 Oct 2025
'You'll never go to university': Deputy Vice-Chancellor proved doubters wrong
By Damon Cronshaw for the Newcastle Herald.
News • 01 Oct 2025
Unwrapping the link between plastic food packaging and female infertility
The impact of plastic food and drink packaging toxicants on unexplained female infertility will be investigated by University of Newcastle researchers.
News • 01 Oct 2025
Central Coast twins tackle university to support local mob
Juggling work, study and sport could be challenging for Wiradjuri/Gomeroi twins, Bailey and Leigtham, but there is a clear mission that drives them forward.
News • 01 Oct 2025
Hope in healing: New care model to support survivors of brain injury from family violence
A Hunter research project will develop and test a supportive model of care for survivors of domestic and family violence who are impacted by a mild traumatic brain injury.
News • 26 Sep 2025
Better Left Said: New podcast helping Aussie men turn up the volume on mental health
Men across Australia are being invited to tune in to a powerful new podcast series, which explores men’s mental health through real, honest conversations.
News • 25 Sep 2025
University pays tribute to founding figure with building renaming
The legacy of Mr Griffith Hammond Duncan, Founding Principal of the Newcastle Teachers’ College, has been recognised at the University of Newcastle today with the School of Education building at Callaghan campus renamed in his honour.
News • 24 Sep 2025
$18.7 million boost for brain cancer breakthrough renews hope for families
A Newcastle-led research team, backed by national and international experts, is forging ahead in its mission to develop a life-saving treatment for the most aggressive and lethal of brain cancers – high grade gliomas (HGG), following the announcement of an $18.7 million Australian Government grant.
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.