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 • 16 Oct 2018
Children's charity building on $2m foundation
There will be cheers, happy tears, canapés and cake when the Hunter Children’s Research Foundation (HCRF) holds its 2018 Awards Night on Thursday, 18 October, presenting $75,000 in new grant funding while announcing its latest ‘CARE’ research excellence winners.
News • 16 Oct 2018
Tsunami threat to Sydney intensifies need for increased awareness
Whirlpools at the Spit, inundation of Manly Corso and major disruptions are possible impacts revealed in a first-of-its-kind study into the tsunami threat to all of Sydney Harbour.
News • 13 Oct 2018
VR key to increasing resilience in Australian troops
UON researchers have secured $2.2 million to develop enhanced resilience training through the use of VR technology
News • 12 Oct 2018
Two researchers awarded prestigious Fellowship
Two University of Newcastle researchers are among 37 new Fellows elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) in recognition for their outstanding contributions to health and medical research.
News • 12 Oct 2018
2018 David Maddison lecture: And now for the next 40 years
Australia’s next generation of doctors, and those trusted to educate them, will face a new set of challenges as they …
News • 12 Oct 2018
Brain fertiliser nurtures new hope for stroke survivors
A hormone already at our fingertips could provide a simple answer for a first-of-its-kind treatment to promote ‘brain fertilisers’ and significantly improve quality of life for stroke survivors, potentially even months or years after experiencing a stroke
News • 04 Oct 2018
Study reveals which cup of coffee delivers the biggest caffeine kick
An Australian study has investigated five different types of popular coffee brewing methods to provide consumers with accurate information about their caffeine intake.
News • 03 Oct 2018
Excellence in chemical engineering solutions
Professor Behdad Moghtaderi has been recognised for the application of ingenuity and technical knowledge in developing practical solutions to industry problems or opportunities; receiving the prestigious ExxonMobil Award of Excellence in Chemical Engineering.
News • 03 Oct 2018
Ultrasound funding keeps Indigenous pregnancy program ticking
Staff at Tamworth’s Gomeroi Gaaynggal Centre breathed a deep sigh of relief today after unveiling new ultrasound equipment that allows the continuation of its vital health and research support for expectant Indigenous mothers.
News • 03 Oct 2018
Innovation Launchpad to drive energy and resources startups
Businesses and startups in energy and resources will reap the benefit of world class research with the launch of a new research centre in Newcastle.
News • 27 Sep 2018
Global graduate achieves a health-care first in China
A PhD student graduating today from the University of Newcastle has her sights set on supporting women with breast cancer in China, which accounts for more than ten per cent of cases worldwide.
News • 27 Sep 2018
Music producer mixes postgraduate research with career change
A highly acclaimed Australian music producer with more than two decades experience in the industry says undertaking postgraduate research at the University of Newcastle (UON), on the changing landscape of music production, was a life-changing experience.
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.