CALL FOR ENTRIES - Submission deadline April 30
Rat hippocampal neurons (microtubules and actin)
Image of Distinction, 2017 Photomicrography Competition
Christophe Leterrier

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, 2023

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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

2023 Nikon Small World Wall Calendar Now Available for Purchase - Buy One, Get One Free!

The Nikon Small World 2023 Calendar is printed in full color on semi-gloss paper and spiral bound for mounting on the wall. Order your calendar today and we'll send you a second one at no cost!

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Fluorescent Hand of a Madagascar Giant Day Gecko Wins 48th Annual Nikon Small World Photo Microscopy Competition

This year’s first place prize was awarded to Grigorii Timin, supervised by Dr. Michel Milinkovitch at the University of Geneva, for his remarkable image of an embryonic hand of a Madagascar giant day gecko.

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Masters of Microscopy

A profile of 2022 Nikon Small World first place winner Dr. Grigorii Timin.

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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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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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