Nikon has disqualified the winner of its annual Small World In Motion microscopy competition following a review of concerns raised by members of the scientific community regarding the authenticity of the winning submission.
The competition, which has operated for 15 years, accepts photographs and videos captured through powerful microscopes. Nikon determined that the winning video submission violated the contest’s rules governing the use of generative AI technology. The firm stated it reached this conclusion “after thoroughly re-evaluating the video and supporting materials and consulting with members of our judging panel.” Nikon added that the decision was not an assessment of the entrant’s professional standing or scientific merit.
The winning entry was submitted by Dr Ning Xu from Tsinghua University in China and depicted cilia, microscopic hair-like structures, moving within the airway of a child with PCD, a respiratory condition. Xu had disclosed his use of AI technology in creating the submission and indicated he believed his approach complied with competition guidelines. He cooperated with Nikon’s investigation into the matter.
Multiple scientists, including individuals who had previously served as competition judges, raised objections through Nikon’s social media channels, questioning whether the video represented authentic microscopic footage. Dr Robert Hirst from the University of Leicester, who leads the NHS centre for PCD diagnosis, stated the depicted cells and cilia structures did not resemble those typically observed in PCD patients, despite his two decades of clinical experience examining such samples. Hirst noted the controversy had affected patients, medical professionals, scientists, and PCD advocacy organizations internationally.
Nikon indicated it would conduct a review of the contest’s rules and procedures moving forward.
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