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 • 22 Aug 2018
‘Water from thin air’ recognised for industry innovation
Professor Behdad Moghtaderi has been recognised for innovation in the water industry, receiving a Hunter Water Night of Innovation Gala award for his ‘water from thin air’ project.
News • 17 Aug 2018
Opening new possibilities at University
Are you interested in undergraduate study, pathways to university or expanding your career with postgraduate study?
News • 17 Aug 2018
Researchers recognised for their scientific contributions
Dr Andrew Gardner and Dr Serene Yoong have been announced as winners of the prestigious 2018 NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.
News • 16 Aug 2018
Funding success to address chronic disease
Researchers from the University of Newcastle have received more than $5.8 million in NHMRC funding to tackle chronic disease.
News • 15 Aug 2018
Nanotechnologist honoured with CRSI Medal
Globally-acclaimed material scientist and Australia’s leading nanotechnologist, Professor Ajayan Vinu will be recognised with the prestigious Council of the Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) medal.
News • 14 Aug 2018
OPINION: Now is the time to care about older people
We all have rights that are protected under United Nations conventions. Do we need extra safeguards to protect these rights for older people?
News • 14 Aug 2018
Central Coast Health staff helping to grow next generation of doctors
The University of Newcastle has celebrated its partnership with the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) medical staff, acknowledging the important contribution they make in supporting the country’s next generation of doctors.
News • 13 Aug 2018
International clean energy symposium
International researchers, engineers, academics and industry professionals united at a symposium in Newcastle this week to explore long term solutions for energy production.
News • 13 Aug 2018
Funding to develop targeted health solutions
Researchers from the University of Newcastle have received more than $1.4 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to support the Australian Government’s new male and female health strategies.
News • 13 Aug 2018
ARC awards UON $1.5m to develop PFAS remediation solutions
The University of Newcastle has received $1.5m in Australian Research Council (ARC) funding for two of nine national research projects that will focus on developing ground-breaking initiatives to address PFAS contamination in the environment.
News • 10 Aug 2018
New international research partnership forged
Medical physics research set to benefit from collaboration
News • 09 Aug 2018
Expert offers insights into effective disaster management
A leading ambassador for the United Nations (UN) in the Asia-Pacific region is visiting Newcastle this week to share insights into the impact of natural disasters on human mobility.
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.