Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a global image competition that showcases ecological research through photography. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos from researchers worldwide at different career stages. 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), clinched the competition’s “research in action” category with his photo titled “Intertidal education.” The image captures Brennan supervising undergraduate students conducting a long-term fish monitoring project in St. Andrews, N.B., showcasing their curiosity under the moonlight.
Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with Queen’s University, Hangzhou Normal University, and Zhejiang University in China, won the “protecting our planet” category with his image “A bridge between past and present.” The photo, a composite of 33 drone shots of the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, illustrates the impact of human actions on ecosystems.
Photographers believe that such images play a crucial role in building public trust in the importance of environmental education and ecological research. Brennan emphasized the significance of sharing research in action to demonstrate the value of ecological studies. Tian highlighted that showcasing ecosystems, even those affected by human activity, can foster a sense of natural empathy among viewers.
The competition also recognized outstanding images from other participants, such as Sritam Kumar Sethy, Ryan Wagner, Victor Huertas, Alwin Hardenbol, Brandon Güell, Abhijeet Bayani, Vineet Kumar, and Luke Jeffrey, further underscoring the diverse and impactful work being done in the field of ecological research through visual storytelling.