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 • 08 Jul 2024
Australian-first network to drive collaboration across digital health research and education
The University of Newcastle has been announced an inaugural member of an Australian first, national, cross-university network that will advocate for, and advance digital health, through collaboration and evidence-based research.
News • 25 Jun 2024
Illuminating safety and community spirit
Produced by an interdisciplinary team from University of Newcastle, four digital display structures were recently installed in City Park, Penrith, …
News • 19 Jun 2024
Professor Jenny May appointed National Rural Health Commissioner
University of Newcastle’s Professor Jenny May, AM, has been appointed Australia’s National Rural Health Commissioner.
News • 18 Jun 2024
Bladder cancer MRI trial taking place in the Hunter
Clinical researchers from the John Hunter Hospital, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the University of Newcastle are investigating a way to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.
News • 18 Jun 2024
Scientists unearth stingrays’ heavy lifting role in estuaries
A new study led by University of Newcastle PhD student Molly Grew has uncovered the significant role stingrays play in shaping estuaries, revealing threatened stingrays in Brisbane Water may move more than 21,000 tonnes of sand per year.
News • 18 Jun 2024
University of Newcastle welcomes new Director of Infrastructure and Facilities
The University of Newcastle is pleased to announce Kevin McCarthy’s recent appointment as the new Director of Infrastructure and Facilities Services.
News • 14 Jun 2024
Laureate Professor Talley named on global best scientists in medicine list
Neurogastroenterologist Distinguished Laureate Professor Nick Talley has been ranked number one in Australia and 171st globally on an international ranking recognising the world’s top scientists in the field of medicine.
News • 13 Jun 2024
Doctors join historic gathering in the Torres Strait
A University of Newcastle doctor and medical student recently joined a group of Torres Strait Islander doctors on Waiben (Thursday Island) after calls for better access to health.
News • 12 Jun 2024
University of Newcastle secures top spot for global impact
The University of Newcastle’s commitment to sustainability and climate action has been recognised as world-class, as the results of the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings are released today.
News • 11 Jun 2024
Inspiring Australians celebrated in 2024 King's Birthday Honours
The University of Newcastle proudly congratulates all Australians who have been recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours, particularly those who are part of the University’s diverse and esteemed community.
News • 05 Jun 2024
Global research warns climate change is increasing groundwater temperatures
Shallow groundwater is projected to warm on average between 2.1 and 3.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to a world-first global groundwater temperature model.
News • 05 Jun 2024
Workforce willing to retrain, millennials ready to relocate: New research provides vital insights for Hunter and Central Coast businesses
New research reveals that the majority of residents across the Hunter and Central Coast are willing to retrain and reskill to fill the future jobs gap as the region transitions to a low-carbon economy.
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.