See all of the 2024 Small World in Motion Winners

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.

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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

14th Annual Nikon Small World in Motion Competition Winner Captures Embryonic Development in Fruit Flies

Detailing the intricate process of early embryogenesis, this year’s winning video provides insights into fundamental biological processes with far-reaching implications.

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Nikon Announces Judging Panel for the 50th Annual Small World Competition

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.

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Masters of Microscopy

A profile of 2024 Small World in Motion Winner winner Dr. Bruno Vellutini

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Meet the Judges

Get to know the 2024 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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