Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a global image contest that showcases ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos by researchers worldwide at different career stages. These images capture animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and various natural scenes.
Liam Brennan, a master’s student and photographer at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), clinched the research in action category with his photo “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, secured the “protecting our planet” category with his image “A bridge between past and present.”
For researchers, images serve as a means to document their work and offer a glimpse into the realm of science. Brennan emphasized the importance of images in building public trust in environmental education and ecological research. His winning photo, “Intertidal education,” captured a moment of curiosity among undergraduate students monitoring coastal fish species in St. Andrews, N.B., under the glow of the full moon.
Tian’s winning image, “A bridge between past and present,” comprised 33 drone photos of the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, showcasing the area’s ecosystem from a unique perspective. He highlighted the significance of such images in magnifying the impact of science, particularly in conservation efforts.
Both photographers emphasized the role of images in fostering natural empathy and connecting people to environments they may not directly experience. Through their captivating visuals, they aim to raise awareness about the beauty and importance of ecosystems, even those impacted by human activities.
The BMC image competition also recognized other outstanding entries, such as “Window to the Wetlands” by Sritam Kumar Sethy, “A space for frogs” by Ryan Wagner, and “Giant cuttlefish in breeding battle” by Victor Huertas, among others. These diverse images offer a glimpse into the world of ecological research and the intricate relationships in nature that researchers strive to understand and protect.