Canadian Photographers Win Global Image Awards

Two Canadian researchers are among the global award winners in the 2026 joint BMC Ecology and Evolution and BMC Zoology image competition. Liam Brennan, a master's student from the University of New Brunswick, won the 'research in action' category for his photo 'Intertidal education.' Allen (Haolun) Tian, a post-doctoral researcher with Queen's University, received recognition in the 'protecting our planet' category for his image 'A bridge between past and present.'

These award-winning images serve as vital documentation for researchers and offer the public a window into scientific endeavors. Brennan's photograph captures undergraduate students monitoring coastal fish species at night, emphasizing the curiosity on their faces and the artistic inclusion of a full moon. Tian's winning photo is a composite of drone images, creating a fisheye view of the Long Sault Parkway, illustrating the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the unintended consequences of human actions.

The competition featured 11 winning photos from researchers worldwide, showcasing animals in their natural habitats and scientists engaged in ecological research. Other notable winners include Sritam Kumar Sethy from India, who won the overall best photo prize, and Ryan Wagner from Washington State University. The photographs are seen as crucial tools for building public trust in environmental education and ecological research, helping to drive meaningful change through strong communication strategies.