Affordable and Clean Energy
Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency
The University of Newcastle delivers community and school outreach that helps people explore energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and the role of engineering in a lower-emissions future.
Clean energy innovation in the Hunter
On 2 April 2025, the University's I2N Startup Stories program at the Honeysuckle Innovation Hub featured University alumnus Peter Richardson, founder and CEO of Facet Amtech. The public event explored how a Newcastle cleantech startup is making ammonia production cleaner and more energy efficient, using less energy while reducing emissions and manufacturing costs.
The session connected clean-energy research and entrepreneurship with the Hunter's startup community, showing how energy-efficiency innovation can move from the laboratory into practical industrial applications.
Peter Richardson, founder and CEO of Facet Amtech.
Energy learning through the Science and Engineering Challenge
The University's Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM outreach program delivered in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors. In 2025, more than 26,800 students from over 873 schools took part, including Challenge and Discovery Days in Newcastle, the Central Coast and other regional communities.
Energy and sustainability are built into the program's hands-on activities. In ElectraCITY, students design an electricity network for a model city and must find the most efficient, lowest-cost way to supply buildings while accounting for cable resistance and infrastructure costs. Other activities include wind-turbine design and environmentally responsive housing.
The 2025 event calendar included Newcastle Challenge Days from 4-10 April and Newcastle Discovery Days from 8-12 September, alongside events throughout New South Wales and every Australian state and territory.
The National Science and Engineering Challenge
Building energy literacy through practical outreach
These programs give school students, community members, innovators and local industry practical ways to engage with energy efficiency and clean-energy solutions. They connect technical concepts with real-world decisions about electricity use, industrial processes, renewable technologies and sustainable design.
2024 Annual Spring School
The University of Newcastle's centre for organic electronics (COE) successfully hosted its 14th annual spring school. 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.
COE, the University of Newcastle Australia 5:43
Learn more
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.
News • 25 Jul 2024
University of Newcastle appoints contractor for major refurbishment at Callaghan Campus
The University of Newcastle has taken a major step forward in the transformation of the Health and Physical Education (HPE) building at Callaghan Campus, with the appointment of Graphite Projects as the main works contractor.
News • 25 Jul 2024
City of Newcastle honours research legacy of distinguished Laureate Professor Roger Smith
An internationally recognised researcher who has advanced our understanding of human birth has been named the 19th Freeman of the City of Newcastle. In a career that spans more than 35 years, Distinguished Laureate Professor Roger Smith AM has sought answers with his research into pregnancy, premature birth and stillbirth.
News • 17 Jul 2024
Strengthening trans-Tasman relationship with strategic partnership
The University of Waikato and the University of Newcastle have further strengthened their relationship with the signing of a strategic partnership agreement this month.
News • 17 Jul 2024
New research plants the seed to grow food crops with sea water
Budding new plant biology research is paving the potential to produce food crops that not only survive but thrive in salty conditions.
News • 16 Jul 2024
Matilda masters expanding her health career
After working in infectious disease during the COVID-19 pandemic, Matilda Boey knew she wanted to contribute further to Singapore’s health system, inspiring her to study a Master of Public Health.
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.
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.