Open for entriesNikon Instruments Inc.

Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027

Nikon Small World is the world's leading photomicrography competition for images captured through the light microscope, running since 1975. The 2027 competition accepts entries from 24 July 2026 to 30 April 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, free of charge, with up to three images per entrant. Twenty ranked winners share cash prizes from USD 3,000 for first place down to USD 300, plus honorable mentions; the results are made public around 15 October 2027. The 2026 winners were announced on 20 October 2026, with first place going to Ole Bielfeldt for a microscopic view of an inkjet printer at work. AI-generated images are not permitted and the sponsor reserves the right to request the original image for verification.

AI bannedRAW for finalists
Deadline
May 1, 2027
Opens
July 24, 2026
Results
October 15, 2027
Official siteRead full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

AI generated images are not permitted and Sponsor holds the right to request the original image for verification.

RAW files

AI generated images are not permitted and Sponsor holds the right to request the original image for verification.

Editing rules

Images must be taken by the entrant using a light microscope and must use a microscope objective; electron and other non-optical microscopy and macro photography are not eligible. Accepted formats are JPEG, PNG, PSD and TIFF, up to three images per entrant. Images that have already placed in another active photomicrography competition are excluded. Submissions generated by AI, script or other automated means are void. The rules do not mention RAW files as such; the sponsor may request the original image for verification. Content Credentials are not mentioned.

Verified on November 7, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027 allow AI-generated images?
No. Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027?
Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
When is the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027 entry deadline?
Entries for Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027 close on May 1, 2027.
How much does it cost to enter Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027?
Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027 is free to enter.
When are the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027 results announced?
Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2027 announces its results on October 15, 2027.

Do you run a photo contest? See how organizers verify entries

More Mixed contests

Browse all contests
View all Mixed contests →