The contest comprises two separate competitions: All competition entries (in 2021, almost 1,900 images from 88 countries and over 350 movies from 43 countries[4]) are judged each year by an independent panel of four to five experts who are chosen by Nikon as recognized authorities in the area of photomicrography and photography as well as in imaging, science and scientific communications.
The entries are assessed based on the originality, informational content, technical proficiency, and visual impact.
The prize-winners of each year (top winners and memorable mentions) are exhibited at museums and science centers throughout the United States and Canada.
Nikon does not own the copyright and only requests an image or video release from those who have won for unrestricted permission with relation to the competition.
Composed of multiple snapshots captured with a confocal microscope, the photo was taken by neuroscientist Hassanain Qambari of the Lions Eye Institute’s Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science in Perth, Australia.