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 • 13 Feb 2018
Student takes out silver in the Winter Olympics
Elite student-athlete from the University of Newcastle, Matthew Graham, has won Australia’s first Winter Olympics medal overnight in the men’s mogul event.
News • 13 Feb 2018
Future doctors hit BEACCH for emergency training
UON medicine students, based at the Central Coast campus, are participating in an orientation program to introduce them to medical scenarios relevant to coastal or remote locations.
News • 12 Feb 2018
Virtual cells provide new cancer insights
Academics from the University of Newcastle and HMRI have developed a revolutionary online platform to advance cancer research and treatment.
News • 09 Feb 2018
Program supports women to climb corporate ladder
The Women in Master of Business Administration (WiMBA) Scholarship program has partnered with leading Hunter organisations to help grow the female talent pipeline and foster positive economic growth.
News • 09 Feb 2018
Lived experience writing a new chapter for mental health education
A ground-breaking UON resource has woven together the experience of practitioner and patient to craft a first-of-its-kind learning tool for students entering the field of mental health.
News • 08 Feb 2018
Student launches towards Olympic glory
Elite student-athlete, Matthew Graham, from the University of Newcastle has been named in the Australian Team for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
News • 07 Feb 2018
Linking young adults to healthy eating habits
The University of Newcastle has received funding from nib foundation to develop an innovative web platform that will deliver personalised nutrition advice.
News • 07 Feb 2018
It’s wine time as researchers explore Australian drinking tastes
Wine lovers can taste-test a new style of wine, while contributing to important consumer behaviour research, in a University of Newcastle and HMRI study.
News • 06 Feb 2018
City precinct broadens Newcastle's international appeal
The University of Newcastle’s city precinct has become a major drawcard for attracting international conferences, supporting the city’s economic renewal.
News • 06 Feb 2018
ARC Linkage Project success for engineering authority
Professor Graham Goodwin has received an Australian Research Council Linkage Project to improve the operation of steam boilers in Australia’s sugar industry.
News • 02 Feb 2018
University of Newcastle Collaborates on Cyber Security Network
UON will lead a new $2million NSW Cyber Security Network announced today by the NSW Government.
News • 29 Jan 2018
UON salutes Australia Day honours recipients
The University congratulates and celebrates all Australians, in particular members of the UON community, named in the 2018 Australia Day honours.
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.