It’s candid camera time in the scientific world. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)’s national photography competition, Science Exposed, is on again this year.

The competition showcases images taken during scientific research being conducted in all fields by faculty and student researchers in post-secondary institutions, as well as researchers in public and private research centres.

Dana Harris’ winning submission to the 2018 NSERC Science Exposed competition features cells of the jack pine tree.

“Researchers are being more frequently asked to share their work with the public, and images are an effective, relatable way to share scientific knowledge,” says the competition’s website. “They can convey emotion, beauty, and even surprise, while also fostering curiosity.”

Individuals or groups have until Jan. 18, 2021 to submit one image with a written description directly related to their research.

NSERC then selects the Top 20 images from across the country and posts the images on its website. The public gets the chance to vote for their favourite image for the People’s Choice Award, which carries a $2,000 price, while a panel of judges selects three images to be awarded jury prizes of $2,000 each.

Brock University master’s student Jessie deHaan’s photograph of a bee’s eye was one of 20 images shortlisted in an NSERC photo competition.

Brock University has done well in Science Exposed throughout the years. In 2018, then-Master of Sustainability student Dana Harris received the People’s Choice Award and a jury prize for her photo “Exploring the Jack Pine Tight Knit Family Tree.”

Last year, Master of Biology student Jessie deHaan’s photograph of a bee’s eye was shortlisted in the Top 20.

Also shortlisted in the Top 20 in 2016 was a thermal image of two tegu lizards submitted by a team led by Professor of Biology Glenn Tattersall.