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 from researchers worldwide at different career stages. The images captured animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaging in ecological research, and other natural landscapes.
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.” This image was taken while Brennan supervised undergraduate students conducting fish monitoring in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with Queen’s University and universities in China, won the category “protecting our planet” with his photo “A bridge between past and present.”
Both researchers emphasize the importance of images in conveying their work to the public and building trust in environmental education and ecological research. Brennan’s image showcases students conducting coastal fish species monitoring under the moonlight, highlighting their curiosity. Tian’s photo captures the Long Sault Parkway, illustrating the impact of human activity on ecosystems.
Photography plays a crucial role in fostering empathy towards nature, as it allows people to connect with environments they may not have direct access to. By sharing their research through visual storytelling, photographers like Brennan and Tian aim to raise awareness about ecological studies and the need for conservation efforts.