Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a global image competition showcasing ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photographs from researchers worldwide at different career stages. The images feature animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and other natural settings.
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.” Meanwhile, Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with Queen’s University, Hangzhou Normal University, and Zhejiang University in China, claimed the “protecting our planet” category with his image, “A bridge between past and present.”
For researchers, photography serves as a tool to document their work and provide a glimpse into the realm of science. Brennan emphasized the importance of images in building public trust in environmental education and ecological research. He captured “Intertidal education” while supervising undergraduate students conducting fish monitoring in St. Andrews, N.B., highlighting the students’ curiosity under the moonlit night.
Tian’s winning photo, “A bridge between past and present,” composed of 33 drone photos of the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River, showcases the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on natural landscapes. He believes such images can amplify the significance of conservation efforts and raise awareness about the unintended consequences of human actions on freshwater ecosystems.
Photography plays a crucial role in fostering natural empathy and connecting people to environments they may not have direct access to. By capturing the beauty and challenges of ecosystems, photographers like Tian aim to evoke emotions and promote environmental conservation.
In addition to Brennan and Tian’s winning entries, other notable images from the BMC competition include “Window to the Wetlands” by Sritam Kumar Sethy, “A space for frogs” by Ryan Wagner, “Giant cuttlefish in breeding battle” by Victor Huertas, and “Go away” by Alwin Hardenbol, among others. These captivating images offer insights into diverse aspects of ecological research and the intricate relationships within nature.
