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 • 05 Apr 2018
Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle graduates with a tick of approval
As the youngest candidate ever elected to Newcastle City Council, Declan Clausen will have another achievement to add to the list when he graduates with First Class Honours.
News • 05 Apr 2018
A new career path is born for University of Newcastle midwifery graduate
After struggling to determine which career path to pursue, Angela Rees’ passion for midwifery was ignited after a chance encounter with a family and their newborn.
News • 04 Apr 2018
Finding a FaceMatch could unlock genetic puzzles
Unravelling the mysteries behind undiagnosed intellectual disabilities in children might be a step closer thanks to a first-of-its-kind web platform launched today at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
News • 04 Apr 2018
Development program puts female researchers at the fore
Fifteen female early and mid-year career researchers from the University of Newcastle (UON) will have the opportunity to progress their academic careers with a development program designed to break through gender barriers.
News • 29 Mar 2018
Kids’ input needed for nutrition lesson plans
Healthy eating is already embedded in many schools: from healthy canteens to the Crunch & Sip program. However, can kids learn more about the importance of good food for their health in the classroom?
News • 28 Mar 2018
NEW Thinking at Newcastle Writers Festival
More than 30 University of Newcastle staff and students will share their creativity and insights at the 2018 Newcastle Writers Festival through a series of workshops, presentations and masterclasses.
News • 28 Mar 2018
Pioneering respiratory researcher awarded TSANZ Fellowship
University of Newcastle researcher Professor Jodie Simpson has been named a Fellow of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (FThorSoc) in recognition of her pioneering expertise and experience in respiratory research.
News • 28 Mar 2018
Borne HMRI collaboration to advance pre-term pregnancy research
Having endured the grief of losing two children, former Wallabies player Dean Mumm and wife Sarah are linking with the Borne Foundation and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) to raise funds and awareness for research into premature birth.
News • 28 Mar 2018
$1.96 million to personalise cancer treatment and change patient lives
Professor Jennifer Martin will develop a personalised chemotherapy dosing system for cancer patients to improve quality of life, reduce side effects and increase chance of survival.
News • 27 Mar 2018
Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program Awards
Three University of Newcastle volunteers were today recognised for their contribution to youth education and presented with the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program award by Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp.
News • 27 Mar 2018
New clinical ‘toolkit’ to help nail severe asthma management
A new clinical ‘toolkit’ designed to improve the management of severe asthma has been launched at the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand’s Annual Scientific Meeting in Adelaide.
News • 27 Mar 2018
Call for pregnant women to trial visual app for diet control
A smartphone app that uses augmented reality to help with diet management during pregnancy has received highly positive feedback from women trialling it.
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.