Summary
The Nikon Small World 2026 Competition celebrates the beauty and precision of life as seen through the light microscope. The 2025 edition is now closed, and entries for the 2026 competition remain open until April 30 2026. Anyone interested in microscopy and photography can submit still images or time-lapse videos through the microscope. This contest encourages researchers, students, and hobbyists to share discoveries that reveal the hidden world of cells, minerals, and materials. Winning entries gain international exposure through exhibitions, media features, and Nikon’s official platforms.
Introduction
If you love microscope photography or video imaging, the Nikon Small World 2026 Competition is your chance to gain global recognition. The 2025 edition has ended, but entries for 2026 are open until April 30, 2026.
Since 1975, this competition has brought together scientists and artists to show how microscopy reveals beauty and complexity in nature. It also features the Small World In Motion category for videos and time-lapse sequences captured under the microscope. (Official Rules)
Learn how to capture perfect microscope images in our guide on Microscope Photography Tips.
Who Can Enter
- Anyone aged 18 or older with a light microscope.
- You can submit up to three images or videos.
- The deadline for 2026 entries is April 30 2026.
- Entries are judged for technical quality, originality, and visual impact.
For details and submission guidelines, see Nikon’s official entry portal at enter.nikonsmallworld.com.
See 2025 Winning Images on Colossal.
Why This Competition Matters
The contest recognizes the artistic and scientific value of microscopy. In fact, participants from over 80 countries submit images and videos every year. As a result, it connects research professionals, educators, and hobbyists who share a passion for exploring the unseen.
Moreover, winners receive global exposure through Nikon’s exhibitions, online galleries, and media outlets. For instance, the 2022 winner used 300 stitched tiles to capture a 3 mm specimen—showing how precision and patience lead to recognition. If you love discovering details invisible to the naked eye, this competition is for you.
- Global Recognition: Winning entries are featured in exhibits and science magazines.
- Expert Judging: Panels include leading scientists and imaging experts.
- No Entry Fee: Participation is free and open to everyone.
Submission Tips
- Use even lighting and steady focus.
- Include sample details and microscope type.
- Choose unique subjects that tell a story.
- Optimize your files for web upload without losing detail.
Check technical specs on Nikon Microscopy Healthcare.
FAQ
Q1. When does the 2026 competition close?
Entries close on April 30 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. After that, no further submissions are accepted.
Q2. Who can participate?
Anyone aged 18 or older interested in microscopy and photography. You don’t need to work in a lab to qualify.
Q3. What are the categories?
- Photomicrography (still images).
- Small World In Motion (videos or time-lapse movies).
Q4. What can winners expect?
Besides cash prizes, winners gain international exposure through Nikon’s website, exhibitions, and press features.
Q5. Where can you see past winning images?
Simply visit the official Past Winners Gallery.
