Picture of the Week: Chris de Bode reflects on 2025

“This year, from a visual imagery perspective, has been characterised by meaningful progress and shared achievement. The Visual Storytelling course has been highly successful, equipping students with the skills and confidence required to develop rapidly. While the learning curve was steep, it proved both productive and inspiring. Over a relatively short period, students became skilled and reflective photographers, capable of engaging with complex cold-chain–related topics and translating them into clear and compelling visual narratives.

In parallel, the photo competition that we organised during the Festival of Cooling, provided a structured platform for wider engagement, encouraging participants to explore clean cooling and cold-chain themes through visual media. The competition broadened participation beyond the course cohort and contributed to the diversity and depth of perspectives represented.

The photo exhibition hosted by the University of Birmingham in October exceeded expectations, subsequently touring several additional locations and reaching broader and more diverse audiences. The positive reception of the work beyond its original setting affirmed the relevance and strength of the narratives presented.

The launch of the Clean Cooling Network Media Library in collaboration with Panos represents a further significant milestone, creating new opportunities for collaboration, visibility, and long-term impact.

Overall, I am very proud of the progress made this year and the solid foundations established for future development.”

Chris de Bode,

Visual Imagery Lead