Nikon has launched its Small World Competition 2012—an already legendary event showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. Nikon has been rewarded the world’s best photomicrographers for 37 years judging their important scientific contributions to bio-research and science.
Photo: Douglas Moore, Agatized dinosaur bone cells, unpolished, ca. 150 million years old (42X)
There are two competitions within one: Small World and Small World in Motion. While the first honors the works captured through the light microscope, the second recognizes the technical expertise of bio- and industrial-focused scientists, who use digital time-lapse photography to study a wide spectrum of photomicroghraphy in motion—from movement of microscopic organisms to stress on industrial materials.
The Nikon International Small World Competition was launched in 1974 for the first time to award the efforts of photomicrographers around the world. Since then, the Competition has become a leading showcase for those involved in science and photography and a striking online exhibition of the microlife.
Photo: Dr. Eric Hwang, Bovine pulmonary artery cells (600X)
Anyone over the age of 18 may can enter the Competition by uploading digital images or videos directly to the Small World servers till April 30, 2012. Photomicrographs must be taken using a light microscope, such as one of the Nikon series of compound or stereoscopic microscopes. The use of Nikon equipment is not required. Entries will be judged on originality, informational content, technical proficiency and visual impact. The prizes range from $3,000 for the first place to $100 for 11th—20th places, all toward the purchase of Nikon equipment.
Winners of the Small World in Motion category will be selected in a different judging process than that of the images. Movies will be judged on the merit of being visually outstanding as well as depicting the intersection of science and art. Any type of specimen and all techniques of light microscopy is acceptable except the electron microscopy.
The 2010 Competition winner No.1 was a photo of the mosquito heart.
The official judging for the 37th Annual Small World Photomicrography Competition took place on May 12, 2011. The winners will be announced in October, but everybody is invited to pick their favorites among this year’s top entries. To vote go to the competition web site and ‘like’ a photo.
Photo: Dr. Robin Young, Intrinsic fluorescence in Lepidozia reptans (liverwort) (20X)
