In the polar night of the Norwegian Arctic, when the sun never rises above the horizon, researcher Emma Vogel captured an image that has gained recognition for its scientific and visual value. Vogel, a spatial ecologist at the University of Tromsø, was awarded in a “Scientist at Work” photo contest for a moment she documented during a whale research expedition.
Her work focuses on understanding whale movement and behavior, particularly their interactions with fisheries, to support conservation and coastal community management. The winning photo features her former supervisor in a bright yellow survival suit, surrounded by seagulls and snow-covered mountains. Unintentionally, a killer whale is also visible surfacing in the background—adding a dreamlike quality to the scene.
Other award-winning entries highlight scientific fieldwork in diverse settings. One image shows an environmental scientist holding eight tiny frogs undergoing antifungal treatment—a step toward combating a deadly disease that threatens amphibian populations worldwide.
Another photo captures an atmospheric scientist atop a Greek mountain, monitoring cloud formation with a weather balloon. Shrouded in fog, his face glows with the light of his laptop during a brief pause in intense fieldwork.
In Siberia, a geology Ph.D. student photographed a star-filled night sky above a cabin. A fire’s glow reveals the silhouette of a single figure in the doorway, representing the solitude and commitment often required in geological research.
These images reflect not only the dedication of scientists but also their profound connection to the natural world. Through photography, they document awe-inspiring moments that merge scientific exploration with personal passion.
