Open Call for Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition

Deadline: 30-Apr-2027

The Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition celebrates outstanding images created through the microscope and is open to both professional microscopists and hobbyists. Sponsored and administered in the United States by Nikon Instruments Inc., the competition recognizes photomicrographs that combine scientific interest with creativity, technical skill and strong visual impact.

About the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition

The Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition is an international competition showcasing the art and science of photomicrography, the practice of capturing photographs through a microscope. The competition welcomes entries from a wide range of scientific disciplines and does not restrict participation to professional scientists. Researchers, microscopy specialists, photographers, students, educators, hobbyists and other individuals with access to appropriate microscopy equipment may participate, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. The competition evaluates submitted images based on four primary factors: - Creativity and originality. - Informational content. - Technical proficiency. - Artistic and visual impact. What Types of Microscopy Are Accepted? The competition accepts images produced using light microscopy techniques.

Eligible techniques include:

- Phase contrast microscopy. - Polarized light microscopy. - Fluorescence microscopy. - Interference contrast microscopy. - Darkfield microscopy. - Confocal microscopy. - Deconvolution microscopy. - Mixed microscopy techniques. - Other techniques using optical light technology. The competition is intended to showcase the visual possibilities of optical microscopy across scientific disciplines. What Images Are Not Eligible? Certain types of imagery are specifically excluded.

The following are not eligible:

- AI-generated images. - Electron microscopy images. - Images produced using microscopy techniques that do not capture imagery using optical light technology. - Macro photography. - Images that have previously won any place or recognition in an active or ongoing photomicrography competition. - Images that are not owned by the entrant. Entrants should ensure that their submitted image represents their own original photomicrographic work. Nikon Small World Competition Prize Money The competition awards cash prizes to the top 20 winners, in addition to other recognition categories.

Prize amounts are:

- First Prize: US$3,000.

- Second Prize: US$2,000.

- Third Prize: US$1,000.

- Fourth Prize: US$800.

- Fifth Prize: US$600.

- Sixth Prize: US$500.

- Seventh to Tenth Prizes: US$400 each.

- Eleventh to Twentieth Prizes: US$300 each.

- Honorable Mention: US$200 each.

- Images of Distinction: US$35 gift card.

The number of Honorable Mention and Images of Distinction awards is determined by the judges. Prizes are awarded to the registered entrant and are non-transferable. Winners are responsible for applicable taxes, duties and fees. There is a limit of one prize per submitted image. Special Rule for Previous First-Prize Winners An entrant who won First Prize in any of the three immediately preceding Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competitions cannot win First Prize in the current competition. This restriction does not necessarily prevent such entrants from participating or receiving other recognition, subject to the official competition rules. Who Is Eligible? The competition is open to individuals who: - Are at least 18 years old, or the older age of legal majority in their jurisdiction of residence. - Have access to a light microscope. - Can submit original photomicrographic work that they personally created. - Own the rights to the submitted image. - Submit their materials in English. Both professionals and hobbyists may participate. The competition does not limit participation to a particular scientific discipline. Who Is Not Eligible? The following individuals are excluded from participating: - Employees of Nikon Instruments Inc. - Employees of its service providers and agencies. - Employees of relevant parent and affiliated companies. - Immediate family and household members of the above individuals. - Competition judges and their immediate family and household members. - Business owners or employees involved in manufacturing, distributing or selling microscopes, related accessories or photographic equipment. Applicants should review the official rules carefully if they have a professional or personal connection to the organisations involved in administering or judging the competition. Image Submission Requirements Each entrant may submit a maximum of three photomicrographic digital images.

Images must:

- Be taken by the entrant. - Be produced using a light microscope and microscope objective. - Be original work. - Be owned by the entrant. - Be submitted in an accepted file format. - Not be AI-generated. - Not have previously received a prize or recognition in an active or ongoing photomicrography competition. Accepted File Formats

The competition accepts:

- JPEG. - PNG. - PSD. - TIFF. Entrants should submit high-quality versions of their images while following the technical specifications provided in the official competition rules. How to Enter the Nikon Small World Competition Applicants can prepare their submission by following these steps.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Make sure you meet the age requirement and have access to a suitable optical light microscope. Also verify that you are not part of an excluded employee, judging or microscopy-equipment category.

Step 2: Select Your Photomicrographs

Choose up to three images that best demonstrate your microscopy skills and creativity. Strong entries should combine scientific or informational value with compelling visual presentation.

Step 3: Check the Microscopy Technique

Confirm that the image was created using an eligible light microscopy technique. Electron microscopy and non-optical microscopy are not accepte