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 various stages of their careers. These images capture animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and other natural scenes.
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, was awarded in the category “protecting our planet” for his image “A bridge between past and present.”
Both researchers emphasized the importance of images in documenting their work and communicating the significance of ecological research to the public. Brennan mentioned that these visuals help build public trust in environmental education and ecological research.
Brennan’s winning photo “Intertidal education” was taken while he supervised undergraduate students conducting a fish monitoring project in St. Andrews, N.B. The image captures the students’ curiosity as they observed coastal fish species during a night-time excursion, set against the backdrop of the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides.
Tian’s award-winning image “A bridge between past and present” is a composite of 33 drone photos showcasing the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River. The image reflects the interconnectedness of ecosystems and highlights the impact of human activities on the environment, particularly freshwater ecosystems.
Photographers like Brennan and Tian believe that images play a crucial role in fostering natural empathy and connecting people to diverse environments. By sharing their research visually, they aim to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and ecological studies.
The BMC image competition also recognized other outstanding entries, including photographs capturing wetland predators, habitat connectivity of frogs, interactions in nature, and human impacts on wildlife. These images not only showcase the beauty of nature but also convey important messages about environmental conservation and research efforts worldwide.
