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 • 11 Mar 2024
Researchers’ pioneering helicopter retrieval service saving women’s lives in Nepal
A pioneering helicopter retrieval program, developed by HMRI and University of Newcastle researchers to help women in Nepal experiencing obstetric distress, has led to a 40 per cent reduction in maternal death.
News • 06 Mar 2024
Great minds tackle brain cancer puzzle at International Summit
Brilliant leaders, experts, and innovators from around the world have united to help solve the brain cancer puzzle at the inaugural International Brain Tumour Research Summit - Australia in Melbourne.
News • 06 Mar 2024
ARC Fellowships advance human rights research and ‘greener’ belt conveyor technology
The University of Newcastle’s Associate Professor Amy Maguire and Professor Craig Wheeler have been awarded prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. More than $2.2m combined will fund their respective projects to support national human rights law reform; and to halve the energy used in Australia’s belt conveyer systems.
News • 06 Mar 2024
New ambassador program welcomes international students to Newcastle with open arms
A new International Student Ambassador initiative launched today in Newcastle aims to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for all international students living and studying in the Hunter.
News • 06 Mar 2024
Inaugural Showcase debuts cutting-edge solar and hydrogen technologies
More than 200 industry, government officials, researchers, start-ups and university staff came together yesterday to celebrate the achievements of the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy program in its first year, namely establishing $117M in industry co-funded R&D projects focused on bringing disruptive technologies to market.
News • 28 Feb 2024
Pain-free diabetes test wins Shaping Australia Award
A revolutionary biosensor poised to change the treatment of diabetes forever, has been crowned winner of the prestigious Shaping Australia ‘Problem Solver’ Award.
News • 28 Feb 2024
City of Newcastle and University Expands Region’s Art and Culture Commitment
City of Newcastle and the University of Newcastle have today announced a new cultural partnership that will see the two organisations working together to expand the region's art capabilities.
News • 27 Feb 2024
National University Teaching Awards celebrate outstanding educators at the University of Newcastle
Five University of Newcastle academics have been honoured with the prestigious Australian Awards for University Teaching.
News • 26 Feb 2024
University behind Australia’s largest, oldest and most successful enabling program welcomes Accord
The University of Newcastle has welcomed the Australian Universities Accord final report and stands ready to work with government on implementation.
News • 23 Feb 2024
Academic Excellence Scholarships Recognising Outstanding Performance
The 2024 University of Newcastle Academic Excellence Scholarships have been awarded. These scholarships recognise the outstanding performance of domestic and international students. Click here to view the recipients!
News • 22 Feb 2024
Happier in the Hunter: promising findings for young people
Despite the challenges that young people in regional areas face, new data reveals Hunter youth are happier than their peers in capital cities.
News • 21 Feb 2024
‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ operating in the red
Parents offering their children a leg-up on the property ladder are at increased risk of financial elder abuse, a new study finds.
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.