Nikon Small World 2026: Inkjet Printer Image Wins Top Prize Amid Microscopy Controversy

Key points

• Ole Bielfeldet, a student and experimental photographer from Cologne, Germany, won first place for a microscopic view of ink droplets suspended inside an inkjet printer.
• Bielfeldt used a self-constructed imaging rig with a microscope objective to capture the image, which he described as revealing the 'magic' of how printers transfer images onto paper.
• John-Oliver Dum from Germany took second place for an image of a jumping spider with pollen, while Kaelin Wulf and Rachel Flannery from the US won third for neurons in an expanded mouse brain.
• The competition received over 1,800 entries, according to The Atlantic, and features images ranging from biological structures to everyday objects like ballpoint pen tips and daisies.
• The 2026 competition follows a controversy in the related Small World in Motion video contest, where the original winner was disqualified for using generative AI, leading to a rule revision by Nikon.

Background

The Nikon Small World competition, established in 1974, is a long-running annual event that honors excellence in microscopy. In 2026, the organization faced scrutiny after disqualifying Dr. Ning Xu from the video competition for using generative AI to alter biological structures in his footage. Nikon subsequently named Vietnamese researcher Nguyen Nam Nhat as the new winner and announced it would revise its rules to address emerging AI challenges. This controversy has heightened attention on the integrity of scientific imaging in the 2026 photo competition.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and CNN focus on the artistic and technical aspects of the winning entries, highlighting Bielfeldt's self-built rig and the visual appeal of the images. CNN includes a quote from Nikon's Eric Flem, who praised the winning image for transforming a familiar object into something 'previously unseen.' Quanta Magazine emphasizes the scientific advancements in imaging technology, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the biological insights gained from the entries. The Atlantic provides a broader overview, noting the high number of entries (over 1,800) and the variety of subjects, from weevil legs to slime mold spores. All sources agree on the top three winners but differ in their emphasis: The Guardian and CNN highlight the creative process, while Quanta focuses on the scientific methodology and biological discoveries.

Why it matters

The 2026 Nikon Small World competition underscores the ongoing tension between traditional scientific imaging and the rapid integration of AI in visual media. The disqualification in the video category has prompted Nikon to revise its rules, setting a precedent for how AI-generated content will be evaluated in scientific competitions. The photo competition's focus on everyday objects and biological structures also highlights the potential for microscopy to reveal new insights into familiar phenomena, bridging the gap between science and art.

What to watch

Nikon is expected to implement revised rules for future competitions to address the use of AI in scientific imaging. The 2026 winners will likely be featured in exhibitions and educational materials, further promoting the use of microscopy in both scientific and artistic contexts. The controversy may also lead to broader discussions about the role of AI in scientific research and the need for clear guidelines to maintain the integrity of scientific imaging.