Nikon revoked a microscopy video’s first prize over generative AI use

What is changing?

Nikon Small World disqualified the microscopy video originally ranked first in its 2026 Small World in Motion competition because it did not comply with the rules on generative AI. Nikon’s official October 9 statement says the rankings were adjusted accordingly.

The disputed entry claimed to show cilia moving in airway cells from a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia. After the initial results, scientists pointed to biologically unusual details in the footage, and Nikon began reviewing information supplied by the entrant.

Nikon’s updated decision says the video was incompatible with the competition’s generative-AI rules. Nguyen Nam Nhat’s video moved into first place. The company also said it would revisit its rules and evaluation procedures for future entries.

The case shows why scientific visualization must document the boundary between AI-assisted cleanup and the generation of new visual detail. Nikon says the decision should not be read as a judgment of the entrant’s professional reputation, scientific contributions, or intent.