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Nikon strips video competition winner of title over AI use
Scientists questioned the winning microscope video, prompting Nikon to investigate and review its competition procedures.
ByNatasha LeePublished Oct 11, 2026
1 min read
The disqualified prize winning image.Image: BBC/Nikon
Nikon disqualified the winner of its Small World In Motion competition after finding that the microscopic video breached its generative AI rules.
According to theBBC, the decision followed complaints from scientists, including former judges, who questioned whether the footage was real.
Nikon said the video “did not comply with the competition rules regarding generative AI”. The company has revised the competition rankings but said the decision was not a judgement of the entrant’s professional reputation or scientific contributions.
Scientists challenge the footage
Dr Ning Xu, listed in the competition as being from Tsinghua University in China, submitted a short video presented as showing cilia moving in the airway of a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia, or PCD.
Cilia are tiny, hair-like structures. Scientists questioned the appearance of the cells and cilia in Xu’s entry and posted their concerns onNikon’s LinkedInpage.
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Xu acknowledged using AI but said he believed he had followed the rules. He also cooperated with Nikon’s investigation.
Nikon said it reached its decision “after thoroughly re-evaluating the video and supporting materials and consulting with members of our judging panel”.
Nikon said it would review the rules and judging procedures for the annual competition, which showcases videos taken through microscopes.
