The winner of Nikon’s Small World In Motion contest has been disqualified after scientists raised concerns that the entry was fabricated.
Nikon said the use of generative AI in creating the video violated the contest’s rules, which require entries to be captured using powerful microscopes.
The company said the video “did not comply with the competition rules regarding generative AI,” adding that the decision did not reflect on the entrant’s professional standing or scientific work.
Nikon indicated it would review the contest’s rules and procedures for the 15‑year‑old annual event, which specializes in microscopic imagery.
The decision followed a thorough re‑evaluation of the video and supporting materials and consultation with members of the judging panel, Nikon said.
The winning entry was submitted by Dr Ning Xu of Tsinghua University in China, featuring a short video of cilia—hair‑like structures—moving in the airway of a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).
The BBC has contacted Dr Xu for comment.
Several scientists, including former competition judges, complained to Nikon on its LinkedIn page that the video appeared to be unreal.
Dr Xu acknowledged using AI but maintained he had acted within the rules and cooperated with Nikon’s investigation.
Dr Robert Hirst of the University of Leicester, one of the first to voice concerns, said he was “not surprised” and “knew immediately that the video was fabricated.”
“I have been diagnosing PCD for 20 years by examining cilia waveform, length, cell size and shape,” he said.
Hirst, the lead scientist for the NHS PCD diagnosis centre at the university, said the cells and cilia “look nothing like those from PCD patients.”
“This controversy has impacted many patients, scientists, doctors and PCD support networks worldwide,” he said.