Nikon disqualified the winner of its Small World In Motion microscopy competition after determining the winning video used generative AI in violation of contest rules.
The video, submitted by Dr Ning Xu from Tsinghua University in China, showed hair-like structures called cilia moving in a child's airway affected by the respiratory condition PCD (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia). Nikon said the entry "did not comply with the competition rules regarding generative AI" after consulting with judging panel members and re-evaluating supporting materials.
Xu acknowledged using AI but claimed he believed he had acted within the rules. He cooperated with Nikon's investigation. Nikon said the disqualification was "not a judgement of the entrant's professional reputation or scientific contributions."
Multiple scientists, including former competition judges, raised concerns on LinkedIn that the video appeared fabricated. Dr Robert Hirst, a University of Leicester scientist who leads the NHS centre for PCD diagnosis, was among the first experts to voice doubts. Hirst said he "knew immediately that the video was fabricated" based on 20 years of diagnosing PCD.
"I have been diagnosing PCD for 20 years by examining their cilia waveform, length, cell size and shape," Hirst said. He noted the cells and cilia "look nothing like those from PCD patients."
The Small World In Motion contest accepts photos and videos taken using powerful microscopes and has run for 15 years. Nikon said it would review the rules and procedures of the annual competition following the controversy.
Hirst added that the controversy "has impacted a lot of patients, scientists, doctors and PCD support networks around the world."