The Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition invites talented individuals from across the globe to showcase the beauty and complexity of life under the lens. Whether you’re a student, scientist, or photography enthusiast, this is your chance to gain global recognition for your work.

Now in its 49th year, the Nikon Small World competition celebrates the best in photomicrography—images taken through a light microscope that reveal the hidden intricacies of biology, chemistry, physics, and beyond. With a focus on creativity, technical expertise, and visual impact, the competition has become a prestigious platform for highlighting the work of micro-imaging professionals and amateurs alike.

This competition is an opportunity to join a global community of curious minds, earn cash prizes, and have your images featured worldwide in publications, exhibitions, and Nikon’s annual calendar.

The Nikon Small World Competition,  established in 1975, aims to recognize and provide support for international photographers who are capturing their photos with the light of the microscope. If your photos can be of great significance to industry and science, do not wait to submit your images and win the prizes with a free trip to Japan.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
• Winners Notified: Around August 1, 2025
• Public Announcement: Around October 1, 2025
• Funding Type: Cash Prize
• Organizer: Nikon Instruments Inc.
• Eligible Countries: Worldwide
• Eligible Gender: All (Male/Female/Non-binary)
• Target Group: Photomicrographers, scientists, researchers, students, and microscope enthusiasts
• Focus Areas: Photomicrography, Microscopy, Science Communication
• Number of Opportunities: 20 main winners + additional honorable mentions and distinctions
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Virtual/online

Prizes:

Winners are chosen by the judges and receive the following:

• 1st Prize: $3,000
• 2nd Prize: $2,000
• 3rd Prize: $1,000
• 4th–5th Prizes: $800–$600
• 6th Prize: $500
• 7th–10th Prizes: $400 each
• 11th–20th Prizes: $300 each
• Honorable Mentions: $200 each (number determined by judges)
• Images of Distinction: Nikon-branded item or $35 gift card

Notes:

• All prizes are awarded as Visa gift cards.
• Winners are responsible for any taxes or fees.
• Prizes are non-transferable and not split among entrants.

Eligibilities

Requirements of the Nikon Small World Competition of Photomicrography:

• Entrants must be 18 years or older
• Must have access to and use a light microscope (electron microscopy and macro photography are not allowed)
• Open to both amateurs and professionals worldwide
• Not eligible: Nikon employees, affiliated individuals, judges, and those in the microscope/photography equipment business
• AI-generated images are not accepted

Ineligibilities:

• Employees of Nikon, Shaw and Todd, their affiliates, and immediate family/household members
• Competition judges and their families
• Anyone involved in making or selling microscopes or related gear

Required documents:

• Online application form
• Personal information with your organization or institution details.
• At least three photomicrography original photos taken by you.

Submission Rules

• The photos must be taken using optical light microscopy (no electron/macro/AI-generated images).
• Images must include the use of a microscope objective.
• Must not have won other photomicrography contests.
• Must not include third-party content, personal data, or violate any laws or copyrights.
• Submissions must be in English and free of inappropriate or malicious content.
• One submission (up to 3 images) per person/email.
• The sponsor may request original files for verification.
• Only the registered entrant will be eligible for a prize.

Selection criteria:

The submission will be selected based on the following after the deadline:

• Creativity or originality of your images.
• Data content.
• Technical proficiency.
• Dramatic and visual impact.

How to apply?

• Visit the official application portal during the entry period.
• Fill out the entry form with your contact details, affiliation, equipment used, and image descriptions.
• Upload up to 3 original photomicrographic images taken with a light microscope (JPEG, PNG, PSD, or TIFF format).
• Agree to the rules and submit.

Submit Now 

Visit the Nikon Small World Competition website to gain more information.