Differentiated mouse brain tumor cells (actin, microtubules, and nuclei)
1st Place, 2024 Photomicrography Competition
Bruno Cisterna & Eric Vitriol

SEE ALL THE 2024 WINNERS!

Nikon Small World

Celebrating 50 years of images captured by the light microscope.

Nikon 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.

2025 Nikon Small World Calendar

Now Available for Purchase

Learn More


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.

Browse the Photo Galleries

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.

Browse the Video Galleries


Small World News

November Nature Methods Cover Features Mouse Intestine Image by Dr. Amy Engevik

The November 2024 cover of Nature Methods features a fluorescence image of a mouse small intestine section captured by Dr. Amy Engevik of the Medical University of South Carolina, which won 4th place in this year’s Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.

Browse News Archives

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Retrospective Interview with Malgorzata Lisowska

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.

Browse News Archives


Masters of Microscopy

A profile of 2024 Small World Winner winner Dr. Bruno Cisterna

Learn More

Meet the Judges

Get to know the 2024 Small World and Small World in Motion judging panel.

Learn More

Small World Exhibit Tour

Browse All Events

MicroscopyU

Nikon's MicroscopyU website features technical support and timely information about all aspects of optical microscopy, photomicrography, and digital imaging.

Visit MicroscopyU

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.

Visit Nikon Instruments