This is a must-see for everyone: winners of the Nikon Small World 2026 competition

The jury of the Nikon Small World In Motion competition has announced the results for 2026. First place was awarded to Chinese scientist Dr. Ning Xu, who captured a rare genetic disease — primary ciliary dyskinesia. Second place went to Nguyen Nam Nhat from Vietnam for a video showing a worm and a single-celled organism seemingly holding hands. The competition was established in 2011.

The jury of the international Nikon Small World In Motion video competition has announced the results for 2026. A total of 347 entries from 40 countries were submitted. The top prize was awarded to Dr. Ning Xu from China, who captured under a microscope a rare genetic disease — primary ciliary dyskinesia, which affects the respiratory system. Senior Communications Manager of the project, Eric Flem, noted that such works reflect the competition's goal: to inspire awe, stimulate scientific discovery, and showcase the beauty of science. Second place went to Nguyen Nam Nhat from Vietnam for a video showing a tiny roundworm and a single-celled organism, Dileptus, seemingly holding hands. Other nominees included Igor Adameyko from Vienna with footage of a sea slug, Cora Harris with the process of salt crystal formation, and Benedikt Pleyer with a tardigrade on snow. The competition was established in 2011.