Nikon’s Small World

Celebrating 49 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.

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Deadline for Entries

Apr 30, 2024

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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.

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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.

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Small World News

A Glimpse Into the Central Nervous System Wins the 13th Annual Nikon Small World in Motion Competition

With the potential to better understand neurodevelopmental disorders, this year’s Nikon Small World in Motion winning video has universal applications

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A Look Back at the 2022 Nikon Small World Competition

For nearly 50 years, the Nikon Small World Competition has captivated audiences across the globe with scientific marvels and artistic imagery captured under the microscope – and last year was no exception. As we approach the April 30th deadline for the 2023 competition, we can’t help but reflect on the exciting buzz and newsworthy features that the 2022 Photomicrography Competition generated.

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Masters of Microscopy

A profile of 26-time Small World winner Karl Deckart.

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Meet the Judges

Get to know the 2022 Small World and Small World in Motion judging panel.

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Small World Exhibit Tour

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MicroscopyU

Nikon's MicroscopyU website features technical support and timely information about all aspects of optical microscopy, photomicrography, and digital imaging.

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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.

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