Nikon disqualifies Small World in Motion Video entry for AI use
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On Oct. 9, Nikon Inc. disqualified the original first-place winner of its 2026 Small World in Motion competition after determining the microscopic video violated rules concerning generative AI. Nikon elevated another entry and said it would revisit both its rules and evaluation procedures. According to CNN, Nikon disqualified Dr. Ning Xu‘s entry after the winners were announced in September; online commentators questioned that validity of Ning Xu entry video.
Xu’s video captures the abnormal beating of airway cilia — hairlike structures that protrude from cells within the human body — in a child living with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare genetic disorder, according to CNN. After posting it on LinkedIn, professionals questioned the behavior of the biological structures shown in the footage. Nikon launched an investigation and rescinded the award.
According to the statement:
Nikon Small World in Motion Video Statement
An update from Nikon Small World regarding the 2026 Small World in Motion first-place winning video: After thoroughly re-evaluating the video and supporting materials and consulting with members of our judging panel, Nikon has determined that the winning video did not comply with the competition rules regarding generative AI. Nikon has adjusted the competition rankings to reflect this decision.
This decision is based solely on the submitted video’s eligibility under the rules outlined for this competition. It should not be interpreted as a judgment of the entrant’s professional reputation, scientific contributions, or intent.
Advances in imaging and artificial intelligence continue to evolve rapidly, creating new challenges for organizations across many fields. This event has shown the need for Nikon Small World and Nikon Small World in Motion to revisit rules and evaluation procedures for future competition entries.
The Nikon Small World and Nikon Small World in Motion competitions celebrate excellence in imaging, both scientific and artistic in nature. We value the integrity of each image and video selected to appear in our winning galleries, and remain committed to upholding the standards of excellence that have defined this competition.
New Winners
1st Place
Nguyen Nam Nhat
Nguyen Nam OME
Chu Se, Gia Lai, Vietnam
A tiny roundworm and a single-celled Dileptus explore their microscopic world
Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)
40X (Objective Lens Magnification)
2nd Place
Benedikt Pleyer
Kirchberg, Bavaria, Germany
Jellyfish larvae suspended in water droplets
Darkfield
25X (Objective Lens Magnification)
3rd Place
Dr. Andrew Moore
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Janelia Research Campus
Ashburn, Virginia, USA
Synchronized cell division in neighboring cells
Confocal
63X (Objective Lens Magnification)
4th Place
Dr. Patrick Hickey
HYPHA RESEARCH LIMITED
EDINBURGH, MIDLOTHIAN, United Kingdom
Dynamics of mitochondria (green) and chloroplasts (red) in Turtle Vine leaf cells (Callisia repens)
Confocal
40X (Objective Lens Magnification)
5th Place
Dr. Igor Adameyko
Medical University of Vienna
Center for Brain Research
Vienna, Austria
A tiny, colorful sea slug (Cyerce kikutarobabai) on the move
Darkfield
0.9X (variable zoom up to 40X with objective 10X lens) (Objective Lens Magnification)
