Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a global image competition that showcases ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos taken by researchers worldwide at different stages of their careers. These images feature 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), won the competition’s research in action category with his photo titled “Intertidal education.” Meanwhile, a post-doctoral researcher at Queen’s University and Hangzhou Normal University and Zhejiang University in China, Allen (Haolun) Tian, secured the “protecting our planet” category with his image named “A bridge between past and present.”
For researchers, capturing images serves as a means to document their work and provide insight into the world of science. Brennan emphasized the importance of images like the ones in the competition in fostering public trust in environmental education and ecological research.
Brennan’s winning photo, “Intertidal education,” was taken while he supervised undergraduate students conducting fish monitoring in St. Andrews, N.B. The image showcases the students’ curiosity as they studied coastal fish species under the moonlight, capturing a moment of scientific exploration.
Tian’s winning image, “A bridge between past and present,” combined 33 drone photos of the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, offering a unique perspective of the interconnected ecosystem. He highlighted the significance of showcasing ecosystems, even those impacted by human activities, to raise awareness about conservation efforts.
Both researchers emphasized that sharing their research through images helps bridge the gap between scientists and the public, promoting the value of ecological studies and discoveries. Tian stressed that photography plays a crucial role in cultivating natural empathy and connecting people with diverse environments.
The BMC image competition featured various other winning entries, such as “Window to the Wetlands” by Sritam Kumar Sethy, “A space for frogs” by Ryan Wagner, “Giant cuttlefish in breeding battle” by Victor Huertas, and more, showcasing the diverse range of ecological research being conducted globally.