Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a global image competition that highlights ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos taken by researchers worldwide at different career stages. These images showcase animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and various natural landscapes.
Liam Brennan, a master’s student and photographer at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), won the competition’s research in action category with his photo titled “Intertidal education.” On the other hand, Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with Queen’s University, Hangzhou Normal University, and Zhejiang University in China, emerged victorious in the category “protecting our planet” with his photo named “A bridge between past and present.”
For researchers, capturing images serves as a means to document their work and provide insight into the realm of science. According to Brennan, such images play a vital role in fostering public trust in environmental education and ecological research.
Brennan’s winning photo, “Intertidal education,” was taken while he was overseeing undergraduate students conducting fish monitoring in St. Andrews, N.B. The image captures a moment of curiosity on the students’ faces as they examined coastal fish species against the backdrop of the full moon.
Tian’s winning photo, “A bridge between past and present,” is a composite of 33 drone photos showcasing the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River. This unique perspective aims to highlight the interconnectedness of ecosystems and emphasizes the impact of science, particularly in conservation efforts.
Both photographers believe that their images can cultivate a sense of natural empathy and help individuals connect with environments they may not directly experience. By sharing their research through photography, they aim to raise awareness about the importance of ecological studies and conservation efforts.