Two Canadian researchers have been recognized in a global image competition that celebrates ecological research. The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 photos taken by researchers worldwide at different career stages. These images 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 from the University of New Brunswick (UNB), won the 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, won the category “protecting our planet” with his image titled “A bridge between past and present.”
Brennan emphasized the significance of images in building public trust and highlighting the importance of environmental education and ecological research. His winning photo, “Intertidal education,” captured the curiosity on the faces of undergraduate students during a fish monitoring project in St. Andrews, N.B. The photo also featured the unique backdrop of the full moon and the challenging high tides of the Bay of Fundy.
Tian’s winning image, “A bridge between past and present,” showcased the Long Sault Parkway in the upper St. Lawrence River through a composition of 33 drone photos. He aimed to illustrate the impact of human actions on ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts. Tian believes that such images can foster natural empathy and connect people to environments they may not directly experience.
Both Brennan and Tian stressed the role of images in effectively communicating scientific research and promoting ecological awareness. Their award-winning photos not only capture the beauty of nature but also convey important messages about environmental conservation and biodiversity.