Nikon has removed the winner of its Small World In Motion competition after other scientists raised doubts about the authenticity of the entry. The contest, now in its 15th year, showcases photographs and videos captured with high-resolution microscopes and has long been regarded as a leading platform for scientific imaging.
The company said the video violated the competition’s rules on generative artificial intelligence, which prohibit AI-assisted composition of microscopic imagery. Nikon clarified that the breach does not reflect on the entrant’s professional reputation or scientific contributions, emphasizing that the decision concerns only compliance with the stated guidelines.
Nikon announced it will revisit the contest’s rules and procedures after a thorough re-evaluation of the disputed video and its supporting documentation, a process that involved consultation with members of the judging panel. The review aims to tighten definitions around AI use to prevent similar disputes in future editions of the annual competition.
The disqualified entry was submitted by Dr Ning Xu of Tsinghua University in China. It featured a short video purporting to show cilia,tiny hair-like structures,moving within the airway of a child diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare respiratory disorder. Xu had previously acknowledged employing AI in creating the visualisation, asserting that his approach complied with the contest’s terms.
A group of scientists, including former judges, posted complaints on Nikon’s LinkedIn page, arguing that the footage did not appear genuine. Xu responded by confirming his use of AI but maintained that he had acted within the competition’s guidelines and cooperated fully with Nikon’s investigation into the matter.
Dr Robert Hirst of the University of Leicester, a leading expert in PCD diagnosis, was among the first to raise concerns. He said he recognised the fabrication instantly, noting that the cilia and cell morphology in the video differed markedly from those observed in real PCD patients. Hirst warned that the controversy has affected patients, clinicians and support networks worldwide.