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
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Retrospective Interview with Malgorzata Lisowska
Posted on October 30, 2024
To recognize the more than 360,000 people who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, Nikon Instruments conducted an interview with 2023 Small World winner Malgorzata Lisowska.
2025 Nikon Small World Wall Calendar Now Available for Purchase
Posted on October 18, 2024
The Nikon Small World 2025 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!
Meet the Judges
Featured Image
Cross section of European beach grass, 7th Place, 2024 Photomicrography Competition
Small World Exhibit Tour
California Science Center
May 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2024Museum of Life + Science
Sep 13, 2024 – Nov 24, 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.
