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.
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
A Glimpse Into the Central Nervous System Wins the 13th Annual Nikon Small World in Motion Competition
Posted on September 26, 2023
With the potential to better understand neurodevelopmental disorders, this year’s Nikon Small World in Motion winning video has universal applications
A Look Back at the 2022 Nikon Small World Competition
Posted on April 13, 2023
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.
Meet the Judges
Featured Image
Eye of a green black weevil beetle, 1st Place, 2018 Photomicrography Competition
Small World Exhibit Tour
Fernbank Science Center
Oct 14, 2022 – Dec 15, 2023California Science Center
May 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 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.
