Nikon Kicks Off 30th Annual Small World Competition

Published: Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 23:00

Nikon Instruments Inc. has opened the Nikon 2004 Small World Photomicrography Competition.

Nikon’s International Small World Competition began in 1975 to recognize excellence in microscopic photography. The competitionÂ’s reputation has grown exponentially throughout the years and is regarded as the leading forum for recognizing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through a light microscope. In essence, it’s the blending of art and science.

All microscopists are encouraged to enter the competition and can do so directly online by clicking here. The deadline for entries is June 30. Each entry will be reviewed by a panel of judges based on the following criteria: originality, informational content, technical proficiency and visual impact.

"Nikon’s Small World will be celebrating a significant milestone this year in our 30th anniversary of the competition," says Lee Shuett, executive vice president of Nikon Instruments. "Over the years, the technology in microscopy has enabled scientists to develop their skills and produce beautiful and compelling works. The images that you see at Small World are unparalleled. Each entry demonstrates creativity through science in its own special way."

Nikon will be announcing the judges for the 30th Small World competition in June. The Competition’s past judges have included Michael Davidson of Florida State University; Kristine LaManna of Popular Science; Maisie Todd, Discover Magazine’s director of photography; Elizabeth Carr, the first American conceived through in-vitro fertilization; William Barnett of the American Museum of Natural History; Jennifer Waters Shuler, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School; Ken Spring of the National Institutes of Health; Doug Murphy of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Microscope Facility; and National Geographic magazine’s former photo editor, Todd James.

A gallery of more than 500 pictures online showcases Small World entries through the years. "To see an up-close view at the past year’s winners in large full-size splendor, people are encouraged to visit the various museums that are hosting the Small World exhibit tours throughout the year." says Eric Flem, Nikon communications manager, who directs the Small World contest. "Who would know that there are such beautiful sites along the road of scientific discovery? Some look like they are a deliberate pattern and definitive structure while others look abstract--almost like a Jackson Pollock work." Click here to view the gallery.

The Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photomicrography. Participants may submit their images in traditional 35 mm format or upload digital images directly at MicroscopyU on the Nikon Web site at www.nikonusa.com. The first and second of 20 winners will receive a selection of Nikon products and equipment worth $3,000 and $2,000, respectively.

About The Author

Quality Digest

For 40 years Quality Digest has been the go-to source for all things quality. Our newsletter, Quality Digest, shares expert commentary and relevant industry resources to assist our readers in their quest for continuous improvement. Our website includes every column and article from the newsletter since May 2009 as well as back issues of Quality Digest magazine to August 1995. We are committed to promoting a view wherein quality is not a niche, but an integral part of every phase of manufacturing and services.