Photo Contest Promotes Public Appreciation of Biology

A photo contest by the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) highlighted the broader impacts of biological research, including its role in fishery restoration and climate change studies. The 2013 Faces of Biology contest featured three winners whose work demonstrates how photography aids ecological documentation and public engagement. Andrew Muir's first-place image documented researchers identifying lake trout morphotypes to support Great Lakes fishery restoration, emphasizing the importance of visual records in ecological research. Benjamin Blonder's second-place photo showcased a student measuring tree branches in Peru’s Manú National Park, contributing data on forest carbon dynamics crucial for climate change understanding. Benjamin Drummond’s third-place image depicted an inmate technician rearing endangered butterflies, illustrating the Sustainability in Prisons Project’s role in conservation and education. The contest underscores photography's dual value as a scientific tool and a means to communicate research impact.

Carr, J. P. (2014). Photo Contest Promotes Public Appreciation of Biology. BioScience, 64(4), 272–273. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biu018