Two Canadian researchers were recognized in a global image competition showcasing ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos from researchers worldwide at different career stages. The images feature animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students conducting ecological research, and various natural landscapes.
Liam Brennan, a master’s student and photographer at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), won the research in action category with his photo “Intertidal education.” The image captures Brennan supervising undergraduate students during a fish monitoring project along the coast of St. Andrews, N.B., under the moonlight, emphasizing the curiosity on their faces.
Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with Queen’s University, Hangzhou Normal University, and Zhejiang University in China, clinched the “protecting our planet” category with his image “A bridge between past and present.” The composition of 33 drone photos showcases the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, illustrating the ecosystem’s interconnectedness and human impact on freshwater habitats.
Both Brennan and Tian emphasized the importance of images in communicating scientific research to the public, fostering natural empathy, and raising awareness about environmental conservation. Brennan highlighted the role of images in building public trust in environmental education and ecological research, while Tian stressed the significance of showcasing ecosystems, even those affected by human activities, to evoke empathy and understanding.
The winning photographs from the BMC image competition offer a glimpse into diverse ecological narratives, showcasing the beauty, challenges, and interconnectedness of nature. Through visually compelling images, researchers aim to bridge the gap between science and society, emphasizing the value of ecological studies and the need for conservation efforts worldwide.