2026 Nikon Small World Competition: Judging Panel and Details Announced

Nikon Small World 2026 Competition Judges Announced

Nikon Instruments Inc. has officially revealed the esteemed judging panel for its 2026 Nikon Small World competition, which celebrates the art and science of photomicrography. This year’s event will occur from June 2-4 at The Research Park at Torrey Pines in beautiful San Diego, California.

The Nikon Small World competition has a proud history of showcasing the intricate details of life observed through a microscope. This unique event gathers scientists, photographers, and enthusiasts, encouraging them to present their best work and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the microscopic world. Participating entries will be evaluated based on originality, scientific value, technical execution, and visual impact.

For 2026, the competition will highlight the top 20 photography submissions and five outstanding video entries, each possibly earning substantial recognition and monetary awards—up to $3,000 for winners. Eric Flem, Senior Manager at Nikon Instruments, emphasized the importance of the judging panel's multidisciplinary expertise in shaping the competition's outcomes. According to Flem, this year’s panel is particularly well-equipped to guide entries that showcase scientific advancements interwoven with artistic creativity.

The judging panel consists of four notable leaders in science, media, and visual storytelling:

1. Joe Dragavon, Ph.D. - The Director of the BioFrontiers Institute's Advanced Light Microscopy Core at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dragavon has extensive experience in light microscopy. He previously completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Pasteur Institute and now presides over the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities.

2. Quinten Geldhof - A technical designer at the Museum of Science in Boston, Geldhof has captivated audiences with his engaging microscopy videos on social media. He has collaborated with notable platforms such as National Geographic and BBC, and he even brings previous competition experience from achieving a fifth-place finish in the 2024 Small World in Motion event.

3. Corey S. Powell - An accomplished science writer and former editor-in-chief of renowned magazines like Discover and American Scientist, Powell has significantly impacted science communication. His collaborations with Bill Nye and contributions to various media highlight his commitment to making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience.

4. Meredith Sagolla, Ph.D. - Serving as the director of the Center for Advanced Light Microscopy and Electron Microscopy at Genentech, Dr. Sagolla excels in advanced imaging technologies, particularly in biotechnology research. She has a deep passion for microscopy that originated during her doctoral research at UC Berkeley, where she explored the intricacies of cell structures using advanced imaging techniques.

The winners of the Small World in Motion video competition will be announced in September, followed by the photomicrography competition winners in October 2026. With this unique event, Nikon continues its long-standing tradition of honoring artistic expression and scientific discovery through the lens of microscopy.

For more details about the competition, participants can visit Nikon Small World and follow updates on various social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.

About Nikon Instruments Inc.

Nikon Instruments Inc. is a leading player in the field of optical and digital imaging technology, particularly in biomedical applications. As part of Nikon Healthcare, the company focuses on providing innovative solutions that advance the fields of microscopy and imaging. Interested individuals can learn more about their products and services on their website or reach out directly for further inquiries.