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 • 17 Nov 2023
Making IBS medicine with artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is supporting researchers with important exploration into new therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and ulcerative colitis, made possible by a $98,700 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
News • 15 Nov 2023
University of Newcastle joins Uniseed venture fund to invest in future of Australian innovation
The University of Newcastle has signed on as an official partner of Uniseed - Australia's longest running venture fund dedicated to helping university researchers turn their ideas into products and services that deliver impact for our communities.
News • 13 Nov 2023
Seven teams secure $3.7m in ARC Discovery Project grants
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has awarded $3.7m in Discovery Project grants to seven University of Newcastle research teams.
News • 09 Nov 2023
The University of Newcastle recognises students, staff and industry partners at Employability Excellence Awards
University of Newcastle student Viv Jayachandran was last night awarded Student Entrepreneur of the Year at the University’s Employability Excellence Awards for his achievements establishing his software business, Jaegersoft.
News • 01 Nov 2023
New interactive report shows financial vulnerability hotspots across Australia
In the face of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, a new interactive report reveals locations experiencing hardship and financial vulnerability across Australia.
News • 01 Nov 2023
University of Newcastle award contract for new Central Coast Campus to Hansen Yuncken
University of Newcastle award contract for new Central Coast Campus to Hansen Yuncken
News • 30 Oct 2023
University of Newcastle science subjects on the rise in global rankings
The University of Newcastle’s science programs have ranked as some of the best in the world, moving up in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Subject Rankings.
News • 30 Oct 2023
University of Newcastle recognised as national leader in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff
The University of Newcastle’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff has been officially recognised, with the University being named the first university in Australia to receive a ‘Cygnet Award’ for Indigenous Cultural Competency.
News • 20 Oct 2023
University sector: now and future of higher education in Australia
Thousands of high school students in our region are now well into their HSC exams - an important milestone in the lives of Year 12 students.
News • 20 Oct 2023
A Tale of Two Cities: Hunter and Illawarra regions collaborate to unlock innovation to drive change
University of Newcastle and the University of Wollongong (UOW) partnered with Business Illawarra and Business Hunter today to bring together more than 80 key government and industry stakeholders to discuss the best approach to drive economic and social change through innovation.
News • 16 Oct 2023
The best team player: robot or human?
Do teams perform better when working collaboratively or competitively? How does a human perform when working alongside AI?
News • 12 Oct 2023
University of Newcastle 2023 Alumni Award recipients announced
Recipients of the 2023 University of Newcastle Alumni Excellence Awards were recognised at the annual celebration last night to celebrate their accomplishments in exceptional leadership, innovation, and outstanding community contributions.
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.