Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a worldwide image competition that showcases ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos taken by researchers from different parts of the globe at various career stages. These captivating images capture animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and other scenes from nature.
Liam Brennan, a master’s student and photographer at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), clinched the 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, won the category “protecting our planet” with his image “A bridge between past and present.”
For researchers, these images serve as a tool to document their work and offer a glimpse into the world of science. According to Brennan, such images play a crucial role in fostering public trust in environmental education and ecological research.
Brennan’s winning photo, “Intertidal education,” showcases undergraduate students conducting fish monitoring along the coast in St. Andrews, N.B. The image captures the students’ curiosity under the moonlight as they examine coastal fish species. Despite the challenging environment of the Bay of Fundy with its extreme tides, Brennan managed to capture a moment of scientific exploration.
In a similar vein, Tian’s photo, “A bridge between past and present,” combines 33 drone photos of the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, illustrating the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Tian believes that such images can amplify the impact of science, especially in the realm of conservation.
Both photographers emphasize the importance of using images to build a sense of natural empathy and to connect people with diverse environments. Through their visually captivating works, they aim to communicate the significance of ecological studies and the beauty of the natural world to a wider audience.