NSERC Science Exposed 2026 Celebrates Visual Storytelling in Canadian Research
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has unveiled the 20 finalists for its annual Science Exposed competition, spotlighting extraordinary images that capture the essence of scientific discovery across the country. This initiative highlights the creative intersection of research and visual communication, drawing from work conducted at universities, research institutes, and government laboratories nationwide.
Finalists represent institutions including the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, and others, demonstrating the breadth of Canadian higher education contributions to fields ranging from marine biology to hydrogen technology and cellular processes. Public voting is currently open, allowing audiences to engage directly with these visual narratives before jury decisions and the People’s Choice Award are finalized later in the year.
Understanding the Science Exposed Competition and Its Role in Canadian Academia
Science Exposed serves as NSERC’s flagship platform for showcasing research through compelling imagery. Researchers submit photographs or micrographs accompanied by concise descriptions that explain the scientific context. The contest encourages participants to communicate complex ideas accessibly, fostering greater public appreciation for science while advancing professional development for emerging and established scholars.
Eligibility extends to faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers affiliated with Canadian institutions. Submissions undergo rigorous review by a panel of experts who evaluate both aesthetic quality and scientific significance. This dual emphasis aligns closely with the priorities of Canadian universities, where effective science communication increasingly factors into tenure, promotion, and funding decisions.
Key Finalists and Their Institutional Affiliations
Among the standout entries, Emilia Luca from Sunnybrook Research Institute presents a microscopy image of the developing inner ear, illustrating mathematical patterns shared with galactic structures. Fleur Issac of the University of Alberta captures Arctic sea ice cores, highlighting research on marine ecosystems vulnerable to shipping fuel contamination.
Justin Joseph at the University of Saskatchewan depicts protein separation in a tribo-electrostatic process, offering insights into sustainable food production. Teams from the University of British Columbia and the Hakai Institute showcase larval Dungeness crabs, linking citizen science with long-term ecological monitoring.
Additional finalists include Matthew Krmpotic from the University of Waterloo on vehicle aerodynamics for emissions reduction, Connor Thompson of UBC examining influenza virus interactions with nasal tissue, and researchers from the University of Toronto advancing water electrolyzer technology for hydrogen production. These examples underscore how Canadian universities drive innovation in clean energy, health sciences, and environmental stewardship.
Impact on Higher Education and Research Training in Canada
Participation in Science Exposed provides tangible benefits for graduate students and early-career researchers. The competition builds portfolios that demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to convey findings to diverse audiences. Many universities now incorporate similar visual communication modules into their graduate programs, recognizing that funding agencies and employers value these skills.
NSERC’s support through this contest complements broader investments in research training awards and scholarships. By elevating images from laboratories at institutions like Université de Sherbrooke and Université Laval, the competition reinforces Canada’s position as a leader in interdisciplinary research that bridges fundamental science with practical applications.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Public Engagement and the Path to Winners
Public voting remains open through the NSERC website, inviting Canadians and international observers to select their favorite images. This democratic element broadens the reach of academic research beyond traditional scholarly circles. The three jury prizes and People’s Choice Award will be announced in October or November, often coinciding with events that celebrate scientific achievement.
Universities frequently promote their finalists through campus communications, alumni networks, and social media, amplifying visibility for individual researchers and their departments. Such recognition can influence recruitment of prospective graduate students and strengthen partnerships with industry and government.
Broader Context of Research Visualization in Canadian Universities
Visual representation of data and processes has become essential in modern academia. Tools such as advanced microscopy, drone photography, and computational modeling enable researchers to produce images that are both scientifically rigorous and artistically compelling. Canadian institutions have invested heavily in core facilities that support these capabilities, from high-resolution imaging centers to field stations in remote regions.
The competition also reflects national priorities articulated in federal science strategies, including climate action, health innovation, and sustainable resource management. Images addressing Arctic shipping risks, hydrogen infrastructure, and infectious disease mechanisms directly align with these strategic areas.
Opportunities for Academics and Career Development
For PhD-track job seekers and early-career faculty, success in competitions like Science Exposed signals strong communication abilities that complement technical achievements. Hiring committees in Canadian universities increasingly seek candidates who can engage with the public, secure media coverage, and contribute to knowledge mobilization efforts.
Resources available through academicjobs.com, including guidance on research assistant roles and postdoctoral positions, help aspiring scholars prepare competitive applications that highlight such accomplishments. Participation also opens doors to networking with peers across disciplines and provinces.
Future Outlook for Science Communication in Canadian Higher Education
As artificial intelligence and digital platforms reshape how research is shared, competitions emphasizing visual storytelling will likely grow in importance. Canadian universities are expanding programs that train researchers in multimedia communication, data visualization, and public engagement strategies.
NSERC’s ongoing commitment to Science Exposed positions the agency as a key supporter of these developments, ensuring that the next generation of Canadian scientists can effectively translate laboratory discoveries into compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers, industry partners, and the general public.
Actionable Insights for Researchers and Institutions
Institutions seeking to increase finalist representation can encourage submissions by integrating image preparation workshops into graduate curricula and providing access to professional photography support. Individual researchers benefit from documenting their work with high-quality visuals from the outset of projects.
Collaborations between universities and organizations such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada or the Hakai Institute demonstrate the value of partnerships that extend beyond campus boundaries, enriching both research outcomes and public understanding.
