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 • 08 Aug 2018
Would you like a trial run at being a new parent?
Developed by a team of researchers at the University of Newcastle, the m-health* game for parents in the first postnatal year aims to equip them with tips and knowledge to help on their parenting journey.
News • 07 Aug 2018
Surfing bacteria reveal new insights into the ocean’s health
Australian scientists are tracking the impact of climate change on our ocean by recording more than 175,000 species of marine microbes for the first time.
News • 06 Aug 2018
Connectivity key to reducing depression among elderly Aussies
A funding boost of almost $500,000 from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), is set to combat the rates of depression and anxiety among elderly Australians.
News • 03 Aug 2018
ARC funding expands research in microbiology and the humanities
Two of our outstanding researchers have received almost $2 million in Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowships to advance their research discoveries in the fields of microbiology and the humanities.
News • 02 Aug 2018
Professor Moghtaderi receives national engineering award
The University of Newcastle’s Professor Behdad Moghtaderi has been awarded an Australian Engineering Excellence Award for the development of the world’s first large scale testing facility for ventilation air methane abatement.
News • 02 Aug 2018
Australian farming the focus of new Soil Research Centre
Australia’s largest collaborative soil research initiative, aimed at enabling farmers to increase their productivity and profitability, has launched today at the University of Newcastle
News • 30 Jul 2018
Our Engineering students won 2nd Prize in National Engineers Day (NED) - Energy Innovation Challenge 2018
On 28 July 2018, our Engineering students in Singapore Aswin & Navendu secured the 2nd position in National Engineers Day (NED) - Energy Innovation Challenge 2018.
News • 27 Jul 2018
Massacres on Australia’s colonial frontier climb to 250
The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander massacres verified and recorded on an online digital map has risen to 240, following an influx of valuable information and evidence from regional communities around Australia.
News • 26 Jul 2018
Magnets prove repellent to sharks and rays
A new study has revealed simple magnets may be the solution to reducing the number of sharks and rays caught as bycatch from commercial fishing activities.
News • 26 Jul 2018
Showcasing new advances for building Australia’s energy and transport infrastructure
A collaborative research centre, led by the University of Newcastle and directed by Laureate Professor Sloan AO, is pioneering new approaches and software for designing cheaper and safer energy and transport infrastructure.
News • 18 Jul 2018
Medicine student tells the story of dementia
University of Newcastle medicine student, Tara Kannan, has been announced as a winner of this year’s National Dementia Storytelling Competition.
News • 17 Jul 2018
Professor Ajayan Vinu elected Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science
Professor Ajayan Vinu of the University of Newcastle’s School of Engineering, has been elected Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS).
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.