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.
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
Last Call for Entries to the 50th Anniversary 2024 Small World Competition
Posted on April 19, 2024
The deadline for both the 2024 Nikon Small World Photomicrography and Small World in Motion competitions is coming up on April 30th for scientists and photomicrographers to submit their images and videos taken through the light microscope.
Nikon Small World Celebrates Fifty Years of Microscopic Marvels
Posted on April 10, 2024
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.
Meet the Judges
Get to know the 2023 Small World and Small World in Motion judging panel.
Small World Exhibit Tour
California Science Center
May 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2024Coastal Discovery Museum
Mar 15, 2024 – May 5, 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.