Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a worldwide image competition celebrating ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos from researchers around the globe at different career stages. These images showcase animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and various natural settings.
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 “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, emerged victorious in the “protecting our planet” category with his image “A bridge between past and present.”
For researchers, capturing images serves as a means to document their work and offer insights into the realm of science. Brennan emphasized the importance of images like his and others in the competition in fostering public trust in environmental education and ecological research pursuits.
Brennan’s winning photo, “Intertidal education,” was taken while supervising undergraduate students monitoring coastal fish species in St. Andrews, N.B. The image captures a moment of curiosity on the students’ faces as they conducted their research under the moonlit sky, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the Bay of Fundy’s extreme tides.
Tian’s winning entry, “A bridge between past and present,” features a composition of 33 drone photos showcasing the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. Tian believes that such imagery can amplify the significance of scientific endeavors, particularly in the realm of conservation.
The article further explores the works of other competition winners and their impactful images that shed light on various aspects of ecological research and conservation efforts. Through their lens, these photographers aim to build natural empathy and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our planet’s diverse ecosystems.
The BMC Ecology and Zoology image competition showcased a diverse array of images capturing the beauty and complexity of our natural world, reinforcing the crucial role of visual storytelling in advancing ecological research and conservation initiatives.
