Two researchers from Canada have been recognized in a global image competition that celebrates ecological research through photography. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos taken by researchers worldwide, representing different stages of their careers. These photos showcase 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), won the competition’s 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, claimed victory in the category “protecting our planet” with his image named “A bridge between past and present.”
For researchers, photographs serve as a medium to document their work and provide insight into the world of science. Brennan highlighted the importance of images in building public trust and promoting the significance of environmental education and ecological research. Capturing “Intertidal education” while overseeing undergraduate students monitoring coastal fish species in St. Andrews, N.B., Brennan emphasized the curiosity reflected on the students’ faces during their nighttime activities.
Tian’s photograph, “A bridge between past and present,” showcased a compilation of 33 drone photos of the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, illustrating the ecosystem as a whole and drawing attention to the impact of science in conservation efforts. The image symbolized the unintended consequences of human activities on freshwater ecosystems, underscoring the need to protect and appreciate even disturbed environments.
Both Brennan and Tian stressed the importance of sharing research through impactful visual storytelling to raise awareness and foster natural empathy among viewers. Through their compelling images, they aimed to convey the beauty of ecosystems and the critical role of ecological studies in understanding and preserving the natural world.