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 • 04 Sep 2019
Strong partnerships and a shared vision for the future of integrated healthcare is set to improve the wellbeing of our Central Coast community
The future of healthcare delivery on the Central Coast is taking shape, with work starting today on a new education and research facility located at Gosford Hospital.
News • 03 Sep 2019
Fellowship awarded to respiratory leader
Laureate Professor Paul Foster has been awarded the title of Fellow of the American Thoracic Society, (ATSF) for his commitment to respiratory health research.
News • 03 Sep 2019
Professor John Maynard to deliver Annual History Week Lecture
The University of Newcastle's Professor of Indigenous Education and Research, John Maynard, has been selected to deliver the prestigious Annual History Lecture – an event produced by the History Council of New South Wales as part of this year’s History Week.
News • 30 Aug 2019
$10 million funding boost for local health researchers
More than $10 million has been awarded to further world-class, solution-based research at the University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), and Hunter New England Health in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding.
News • 30 Aug 2019
Dr Myles Young wins Bupa’s Emerging Health Researcher Award
Dr Myles Young has been named Bupa Foundation’s Emerging Health Researcher for 2019 in recognition of his work to improve men’s physical and mental health.
News • 28 Aug 2019
Professor Brenda Happell, University of Newcastle wins top Australasian award in mental health
Professor Brenda Happell has won TheMHS Exceptional Contribution Award at the 2019 Mental Health Service Awards of Australia and New Zealand for her exceptional contribution to mental health.
News • 22 Aug 2019
Outdoor gym study aiming to give the masses more strength
In partnership with Lake Macquarie City Council and Newcastle City Council, University of Newcastle researchers are recruiting for a new, nationally-funded trial that blends smartphone technology with park-based fitness facilities to encourage community exercise in the great outdoors.
News • 21 Aug 2019
Age isn’t an issue – you can retrain the brain
Multi-tasking has traditionally been considered the domain of the young and frantic. But a new, large-scale study by researchers from Australia and California has shown that older people can keep pace with those in their twenties – it’s simply a matter of practice.
News • 20 Aug 2019
The next wave of research stars in the limelight
With thousands of hours of research condensed into just three minutes, 15 bright and determined postgraduate students will take the stage at The Conservatorium on Friday (23 August) to compete in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.
News • 15 Aug 2019
Laureate Professor receives global gong for outstanding research
A novel flotation device developed by the University of Newcastle’s Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson AO has taken out this year’s CEEC Medal for Technical Research.
News • 13 Aug 2019
Prevention of heart attacks and stroke a step closer
Almost $15 million has been awarded to 10 senior scientists and 10 clinician scientists across the state to continue their work into Australia’s number one killer, heart disease.
News • 13 Aug 2019
Antiseptic resistance in bacteria could lead to next-gen plastics
Australian-UK researchers identify ancient protein pumps that make bacteria tough to treat – but could be key to new green polymers
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.