Two Canadian scholars have been recognized in a worldwide image contest that celebrates ecological research through photography.
The 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 images captured by researchers from around the globe at different career stages. These photos showcase animals in their natural habitats, scientists and students engaged in ecological research, and various natural landscapes.
The winning entry in the research in action category was Intertidal education by Liam Brennan, a master’s student and photographer at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). Meanwhile, the category “protecting our planet” was claimed by Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with Queen’s University, Hangzhou Normal University, and Zhejiang University in China, for his image A bridge between past and present.
Photographs play a crucial role for researchers as they offer a means to capture and showcase their work, providing a glimpse into the world of science.
According to Brennan, images like the ones in the competition help to establish public trust in the importance of environmental education and ecological research.
‘Expressions of Interest’
Brennan’s winning photo, Intertidal education, was captured while he was supervising undergraduate students conducting a fish monitoring project along the coast of St. Andrews, N.B. Working at night, the students used a seine net to collect and identify coastal fish species.
Describing the moment, Brennan highlighted the curiosity evident on the students’ faces, particularly accentuated by the presence of a full moon in the background, adding an artistic flair to the image.
The Bay of Fundy, known for having the highest tides globally, presented an additional challenge for Brennan as he had to protect his equipment from the seawater.
Previously, Brennan won the 2025 Images of Research competition at UNB for his photograph Tides of Change.
For Brennan, sharing images of research in action is a way to illustrate the work of scientists and underscore the significance of ecological studies and discoveries.
Photographers Emphasize the Impact of Images on Building Empathy
Tian’s winning image, A bridge between past and present, is a mosaic of 33 drone photos capturing the Long Sault Parkway, which links 11 islands in the upper St. Lawrence River. This panoramic view offers a comprehensive perspective of the region.
Expressing his preference for this style of photography, Tian emphasized how it portrays ecosystems holistically, amplifying the role of science, particularly in conservation efforts.
The chain of islands emerged after the area was flooded during the construction of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam in the 1950s, causing significant harm to the local fish and plant populations. Tian’s photo serves as a visual representation of the unintended consequences of human actions, shedding light on the often-overlooked freshwater ecosystems.
Highlighting the importance of showcasing his research locations, Tian stressed how photography can foster natural empathy and encourage people to connect with environments indirectly used by them.
Earlier this year