Two Canadian scientists have been recognized in a global photography competition that celebrates ecological research.
The 2026 BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition honored 11 images captured by researchers from around the world at different career stages. The photographs showcase wildlife 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 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, clinched the “protecting our planet” category with his image A bridge between past and present.
According to Brennan, images play a crucial role in showcasing the importance of environmental education and ecological research to the public. He believes that visual representations help establish trust and appreciation for these fields.
‘Fascination in Their Eyes’
Brennan’s winning image Intertidal education was captured while he supervised undergraduate students conducting a fish monitoring project in St. Andrews, N.B. The students, equipped with gear, were seining fish along the coast and documenting the species they found.
Working under the moonlight added an element of curiosity to the students’ expressions, as stated by Brennan. He also highlighted the challenge of keeping electronic devices safe from the high tides of the Bay of Fundy, known for having the world’s highest tides.
Prior to this recognition, Brennan also won the 2025 Images of Research competition at UNB for his photo Tides of Change. He believes that sharing visuals of research activities helps bridge the gap between scientists and the general public, emphasizing the significance of ecological studies and discoveries.
Visual Stories Enhancing Empathy
Tian’s award-winning photo, A bridge between past and present, is a compilation of 33 drone shots of the Long Sault Parkway, linking 11 islands in the upper St. Lawrence River. By stitching together these images, a panoramic view of the region is achieved.
Tian expressed his preference for such visual narratives, as they effectively portray ecosystems holistically, particularly emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts. The chain of islands formed post the construction of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam in the 1950s, leading to significant environmental impacts on fish and plant life.
According to Tian, his image demonstrates the unintended consequences of human interventions on freshwater ecosystems, urging viewers to appreciate and protect even disturbed natural environments.
He emphasized the role of photography in fostering natural empathy among viewers towards the ecosystems they indirectly interact with. Tian’s previous recognition includes winning the 2026 Nature international photo competition in the scientists at work category for a drone photo depicting a