Nikon’s Small World
Celebrating 50 years of images captured by the light microscope.
Nikon’s Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. The Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in microscopy and photography. The video competition, entitled Small World In Motion encompasses any movie or digital time-lapse photography taken through the microscope.
The 2024 Competitions Are Now Closed
Stay tuned for updates regarding the judging and announcement of winners.
Photomicrography Competition
The Nikon Small World Competition first began in 1975 as a means to recognize and applaud the efforts of those involved with photography through the light microscope. Since then, Small World has become a leading showcase for photomicrographers from the widest array of scientific disciplines.
Video Competition
In 2011, Nikon announced that it would begin accepting movies taken through the microscope as a new category in the 37th annual Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition. This new category, titled Small World in Motion, encompasses any movie or digital time-lapse photography taken through the microscope and adds a new, distinct discipline to the competition.
Small World News
14th Annual Nikon Small World in Motion Competition Winner Captures Embryonic Development in Fruit Flies
Posted on September 17, 2024
Detailing the intricate process of early embryogenesis, this year’s winning video provides insights into fundamental biological processes with far-reaching implications.
Nikon Announces Judging Panel for the 50th Annual Small World Competition
Posted on May 23, 2024
Nikon Instruments Inc. announced the judging panel for the 2024 Nikon Small World photomicrography and Small World in Motion video competitions, to be held June 4–6 at the Marine Biological Lab (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Masters of Microscopy
Meet the Judges
Small World Exhibit Tour
California Science Center
May 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2024Museum of Life + Science
Sep 13, 2024 – Nov 24, 2024
MicroscopyU
Nikon's MicroscopyU website features technical support and timely information about all aspects of optical microscopy, photomicrography, and digital imaging.
Nikon Instruments
Nikon Instruments is a leader in microscope-based optical and imaging technologies for the life sciences and part of the Nikon Healthcare Business Division.
