Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a global image competition that showcases ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos taken by researchers worldwide at different career stages. These captivating images capture animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and various natural landscapes.
Liam Brennan, a master’s student and photographer at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), won the competition’s research in action category with his photo “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, triumphed in the “protecting our planet” category with his image “A bridge between past and present.”
For researchers, these images serve as a medium to document their work and provide insights into the world of science. According to Brennan, these images play a crucial role in fostering public trust in environmental education and ecological research.
Brennan captured “Intertidal education” while overseeing undergraduate students monitoring coastal fish species in St. Andrews, N.B. The photo showcases the students working at night, pulling up species with a seine net, reflecting their curiosity under the moonlight.
Tian’s image, “A bridge between past and present,” features a composition of 33 drone photos of the Long Sault Parkway, connecting 11 islands in the upper St. Lawrence River. This photo symbolizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the impact of human actions on the environment.
Photographers believe that these images help cultivate “natural empathy” by connecting people to the environment indirectly. Through their lens, they aim to raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of ecosystems worldwide.
The BMC image competition also recognized other outstanding entries, including “Window to the Wetlands,” “A space for frogs,” “Giant cuttlefish in breeding battle,” “Go away,” and many more, highlighting the diversity and significance of ecological research captured through the lens of talented photographers.