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 from researchers worldwide at different career stages. These images showcase 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 research in action category with his photograph “Intertidal education.” The image was captured while Brennan supervised undergraduate students conducting fish monitoring in St. Andrews, N.B. The photo beautifully captures the students’ curiosity under the night sky, with the full moon adding a creative touch to the scene.
Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with Queen’s University, Hangzhou Normal University, and Zhejiang University in China, won the category “protecting our planet” with his photo “A bridge between past and present.” The image, composed of 33 drone photos of the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on natural environments.
Both researchers emphasized the importance of photography in communicating scientific research and fostering public trust in environmental education and ecological studies. Brennan’s previous accolades include winning the 2025 Images of Research competition at UNB with his photo “Tides of Change.”
The competition also recognized other outstanding images, 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 “Go away” by Alwin Hardenbol. These images showcase diverse aspects of ecological research and the beauty of natural ecosystems, underscoring the significance of visual storytelling in science communication.
Photographers like Brennan and Tian believe that images play a crucial role in building empathy towards nature and raising awareness about environmental conservation. Through their visually captivating work, they hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world that surrounds us.