Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a global photography contest showcasing 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 photos capture animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and various natural settings.
In the “research in action” category, Liam Brennan, a master’s student and photographer at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), won with his image titled “Intertidal education.” The category “protecting our planet” was won by Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with Queen’s University, Hangzhou Normal University, and Zhejiang University in China, for his photo “A bridge between past and present.”
Researchers consider images as a way to document their work and provide insights into the world of science. According to Brennan, these images play a crucial role in building public trust in environmental education and ecological research.
Brennan captured “Intertidal education” while supervising undergraduate students monitoring coastal fish species in St. Andrews, N.B. He highlighted the students’ curiosity during a night-time fish monitoring project, emphasizing the significance of the moment. The challenging task was intensified by the Bay of Fundy’s extreme tides, requiring Brennan to protect electronic equipment from seawater.
Tian’s winning photo, “A bridge between past and present,” showcased a series of drone photos capturing the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River. The composition of 33 photos provided a comprehensive view of the region, emphasizing the impact of human activity on ecosystems.
Photographers like Tian believe that images can evoke natural empathy and help people connect with environments indirectly. By showcasing the beauty of ecosystems, even those impacted by human actions, photographers aim to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.
Other notable winners in the BMC image competition included Sritam Kumar Sethy’s “Window to the Wetlands,” Ryan Wagner’s “A space for frogs,” Victor Huertas’ “Giant cuttlefish in breeding battle,” Alwin Hardenbol’s “Go away,” and Brandon Güell’s “Everglades monitoring” and “Manatees seek freshwater in the Everglades.” Additionally, Vineet Kumar’s “Into the bear’s realm” and Luke Jeffrey’s “Barking up the right trees” were highly commended by the judges for their exceptional photography capturing unique ecological perspectives.