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
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News • 26 Feb 2019
Researchers awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships
Recognised for their potential to create global impact in their fields, three University of Newcastle researchers will receive prestigious Australian-American Fulbright Scholarships in a presentation at Parliament House this week.
News • 25 Feb 2019
New technology offers promising manufacturing potential for Australia
The University of Newcastle has been awarded funding to investigate the possibility of transforming low emission coal directly into a carbon fibre material.
News • 20 Feb 2019
‘Stage within a city’ unveiled for Honeysuckle campus
A sleek, sophisticated, transparent building with smart glazing will create a ‘stage within the city’ for the University of Newcastle, …
News • 18 Feb 2019
Study to help over-65s stay stronger
A new clinical trial at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) aims to help over-65s build muscle strength and reduce falls.
News • 15 Feb 2019
Aquatic drones capture shark paralysis after catch and release
An underwater drone has highlighted that catch and release fishing may have significant damaging effects on sharks, increasing their risk …
News • 14 Feb 2019
Funding awarded for innovative cancer research
Three University of Newcastle researchers have been awarded career fellowships worth more than $1.6 million for research into innovative cancer treatment.
News • 12 Feb 2019
Students reach an education milestone on their pathway to success
More than 100 students are this week set to celebrate the completion of a University of Newcastle pathway program.
News • 11 Feb 2019
Asthma drugs in head-to-head battle
Hunter researchers will be conducting a head-to-head comparison of two new-generation drugs designed to help those with severe asthma.
News • 05 Feb 2019
Community at core of Port Macquarie graduation
A Kempsey local and proud Wiradjuri and Dunghutti woman, April will join her cohort on Tuesday, 5 February to celebrate the culmination of her studies as the first Indigenous graduate of the Port Macquarie Bachelor of Midwifery program.
News • 05 Feb 2019
Ten year prostate cancer trial proves optimal treatment duration
Results from Australia’s and New Zealand’s biggest cancer trial have identified the best treatment regime for men suffering from newly-diagnosed …
News • 01 Feb 2019
Computer Scientist nominated for Rotary Humanitarian STAR Award
A Newcastle-based computer scientist, Professor Pablo Moscato, is a nominee for the prestigious Rotary Humanitarian STAR (Science, Technology, Aerospace, Robotics) Award.
News • 31 Jan 2019
2019 Australia Day honours
The University of Newcastle congratulates and celebrates all Australians recognised in the 2019 Australia Day honours.
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.