Nikon's International Photomicrography Contest Nikon announces the Prizewinners in the 2002 Annual Small World Competition

First Prize - Dr. Thomas J. DEERINCK

Nikon Instruments Inc. (KUSAKA, Hirobumi, president), the US-based subsidiary company of Nikon Corporation (SHIMAMURA, Teruo, president) that markets Nikon's microscopes, measuring instruments, etc., announced today the winners of the 2002 annual Small World Competition, an international photomicrography contest hosted by Nikon Instruments.

Inaugurated in1975, the Nikon International Small World Competition is an annual international photomicrography contest dedicated to offering excellent photography taken through microscopes for ordinary people and heralding in the latest cutting-edge scientific technology.

This year's contest, celebrating its 28th year, attracted a total of 800 entries from 34 countries and regions, roughly 3 times as many as last year. Entrants ranged from regular microscope users to the most advanced biological researchers. The number of images digitally uploaded via the Internet showed a notable increase this year.

The entries were judged by an independent panel of five experts, including directors in science magazines in the United States and research workers in universities, on the basis of originality, academic value, visual impact, technical proficiency, etc. An entry submitted by Dr. Thomas J. DEERINCK (University of California at San Diego) was chosen as the first place winner this year. Dr. DEERINCK created the winning photograph by making full use of the latest technology, including confocal and image processing systems.

The panel of judges this year included Ms. Elizabeth CARR, who was the first person born in the United States as a result of vitro fertilization.

As usual, all winning photographs will appear in the "2003 Small World Calendar" and be displayed at 17 photographic exhibitions to be held in museums and art galleries in the United States and Canada beginning December, 2002.

For details on the "Small World Photomicrography Competition", access http://www.microscopyu.com/ (We are already accepting entries for next year.)