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.

News • 11 Oct 2023

Professor Anna Giacomini elected as an ATSE Fellow

Australia’s leading expert on rockfall mechanics and protection design, Professor Anna Giacomini, is among the distinguished cohort of Fellows elected to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) this year.

News • 09 Oct 2023

New analysis: housing need significantly underestimated

Analysis released by the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures into the national housing shortage shows that the projected supply of housing needed in Australia’s cities and regions falls significantly short of demand.

News • 05 Oct 2023

Life-changing university scholarships opening doors for students in need

Applications are now open for the Greater Charitable Foundation Equity Scholarship program, which is clearing the path to higher education for students wishing to study at the University of Newcastle.

News • 04 Oct 2023

University of Newcastle appoints the Honourable Patricia Forsythe AM as Chancellor

The University of Newcastle is pleased to announce the appointment of the Hon Patricia Forsythe AM as its next Chancellor. She will succeed the University’s current Chancellor Mr. Paul Jeans, who is retiring at the end of 2023 after over 10 years in the role.

News • 03 Oct 2023

Virtual reality training to improve emergency stroke nursing care

Emergency department nurses across NSW will gain valuable real-time experience in stroke care thanks to a new virtual reality (VR) training program developed by the Centre for Advanced Training Systems at the University of Newcastle.

News • 22 Sep 2023

Hundreds of female students empowered to kick learning goals

Still buzzing from seeing their newfound heroes, the Matildas, achieve amazing World Cup success, a group of 200 female students hit the field at Industree Stadium, Gosford to participate in Maths with Mariners.

News • 21 Sep 2023

University and industry collaboration: ResTech officially opened by Minister Hon Ed Husic MP

The Honourable Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, today visited the University of Newcastle to officially open the new ResTech facility.

News • 21 Sep 2023

Gen Z and Business Transformation on the Agenda as 250 turn out for University’s Industry Open Day

Working with Gen Z, using research to drive economic and social impact and industry transformation in the Hunter were key topics up for discussion as more than 250 local industry leaders gathered today for the University of Newcastle’s first Industry Open Day.

News • 15 Sep 2023

Our University supports a Yes vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum

The University of Newcastle supports an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

News • 15 Sep 2023

Softballer takes out top honour at University Sports Awards

Softball player Callum Beashel has been awarded the University’s most prestigious sporting honour, Sportsperson of the Year, at the University of Newcastle’s Sports Awards held last night at the Conservatorium of Music.

News • 14 Sep 2023

Dr Jessica Allen receives prestigious Young Tall Poppy Award

Electrochemical engineer, Dr Jessica Allen has been recognised with a NSW 2023 Young Tall Poppy Science Award for her outstanding contribution to science communication.

News • 12 Sep 2023

Australian Catholic women echo the global call for church reform

New analysis of the world-first International Survey of Catholic Women has found Australian Catholic women are echoing their international sisters’ hunger for church reform.

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