13th Place, 2006 Photomicrography Competition
Paul Blainey
Nikon’s Small World
Celebrating 46 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 2021 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.
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
Nikon Announces Judging Panel for the 47th Annual Nikon Small World Competition
Posted on May 05, 2021
Five expert judges will evaluate entries from around the world to select this year’s winning microscopy images and movies.
A Virtual Glimpse Into Microscopic Life
Posted on February 19, 2021
On Friday, February 12, The Wistar Institute hosted a virtual Nikon Small World event highlighting the intersection between science and art through photomicrography featuring the authors of three winning images from the 2020 Nikon Small World photomicrography competition.
Masters of Microscopy
Meet the Judges
Featured Image
Microprocessor with a pollen grain - Image of Distinction, 2009 Photomicrography Competition
Video Conference Backgrounds
We’ve curated a selection of Nikon Small World Competition imagery to serve as backgrounds for your video conference calls. Feel free to download your favorite backdrops and use on your next virtual meeting.
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.
