See all of the 2026 Small World In Motion winners.
Nikon Small World
Celebrating over 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.
The 2026 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
16th Annual Nikon Small World in Motion Competition Winner Captures Abnormal Movement of Airway Cilia in a Child with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Posted on September 15, 2026
Winning video from Dr. Ning Xu shows the importance of advanced microscopy in diagnosis of diseases defined by movement
Small World Speaks
Hear the stories behind some of the winning images and the storied history of the Nikon Small World competitions.
Meet the Judges
Small World Exhibit Tour
California Science Center
May 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2027Marine Biological Laboratory
Jul 17, 2026 – Oct 10, 2026
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.
