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 • 16 Jul 2018
Funding success to aid early interventions for cancer and stroke
Two exceptional Early to Mid-Career Researchers have secured more than $1.16 million to explore early intervention methods for two significant health challenges
News • 13 Jul 2018
New Colombo Plan strengthens global connections
The Australian Government has awarded the University of Newcastle $1,267,750 million in funding under the 2019 New Colombo Plan Mobility Program.
News • 12 Jul 2018
Professor Jenny Gore conferred Visiting Professor at Oxford
Global education thought-leader, Laureate Professor Jenny Gore has been conferred the prestigious title of Visiting Professor at Oxford University, commencing October 2018.
News • 12 Jul 2018
Public health expert acknowledged with Australian Alumni Award
Renowned public health expert and UON alumnus, Dr Thira Woratanarat, was awarded the Alumni Community Engagement Award at the 2018 Australian Alumni Awards in Bangkok, last night.
News • 12 Jul 2018
Paralegal to compete in Australia’s largest moot court competition
Courtney Parnell, a paralegal at Moray & Agnew Lawyers, has been selected as one of four students to represent the University of Newcastle at the largest moot court competition in Australia.
News • 12 Jul 2018
Professor Kevin Hall appointed member of the ARC Advisory Council
The Australian Research Council (ARC) announced University of Newcastle Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Kevin Hall has been appointed a member of its Advisory Council.
News • 09 Jul 2018
Honorary doctorate awarded to global leader in equity and education
Professor Geoff Whitty CBE admitted to the degree of Doctor of Education (honoris causa) at the University of Newcastle.
News • 09 Jul 2018
The Ripple effect: Improving health outcomes for Indigenous Australians
Internationally-recognised leader in Indigenous cancer research, Professor Gail Garvey, will share her insights on the role Indigenous medical education can play in improving the health outcomes of Indigenous Australians, in a keynote lecture at UON tonight.
News • 06 Jul 2018
Alternate pathways for young people who have perpetrated violence
Researchers from the University of Newcastle have received $582,361 from the Australian Government to address interpersonal violence in the lives of young people.
News • 05 Jul 2018
Deep passion for the ocean inspires environmental graduate
Inspired by her love of the ocean and coral reef, University of Newcastle research student, Laura Bradbury, is on an exciting path to improve the environment for future generations.
News • 05 Jul 2018
Oral health graduate filling the gap in Indigenous communities
It was Jackie Cunningham’s first international placement in Cambodia with the University of Newcastle that solidified her decision to pursue a career improving oral health in disadvantaged communities.
News • 04 Jul 2018
Rethinking the narrative of climate change
An international symposium will combine academia, activism and the arts this week to ignite the imagination of the community and spark effective discussion about climate change
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.