Three UBC graduate students are finalists in the 2026 NSERC Science Exposed competition.
Science Exposed is an annual contest organized by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The competition is devoted exclusively to images of scientific research, in all fields of study. The goal? Dissemination of knowledge and scientific research to the broader public.
Students, faculty and staff at UBC are encouraged to vote for their favourite image by September 27.
Connor Thompson, a doctoral student in Microbiology and Immunology, submitted their image, Edge of infection. The image shows the influenza A virus in human nasal tissue at the microscopic level.
"Observing these early events helps us understand host-virus interactions, and this could contribute to the development of antiviral strategies to stop infection before it can reach deeper tissues," says Connor.
Dezaiah Sheena and Nicole Jung, doctoral students in Oceans and Fisheries, partnered with Heather Earle at the Hakai Institute for their image, Crab transformers. The image features a Dungeness crab in its larval stages, with a stunning red colouration.
"By bringing together scientists, youth and volunteers who are excited about baby crabs, this long-term citizen science project is cultivating greater understanding and care for crabs, moving us toward more proactive, community-led stewardship that promotes resilience in the face of growing pressures from fishing and climate change," says the project team.
To see all of the finalists and vote on your favourite, visit the 2026 Science Exposed website.
Congratulations to Connor, Dezaiah and Nicole!