Nikon Instruments Inc. of Melville, N.Y., has renewed its call for entries for the 32nd annual Nikon Small World Competition, founded to recognize those involved with photomicrography.

Participants may submit up to three images, either on 35-mm transparencies or digitally through the Web. A light microscope must be used in the photographic process. Any category of light microscopy technique is acceptable, including bright-field, interference and phase contrast, polarized light, fluorescence, dark-field, confocal and deconvolution as well as mixed techniques.

An independent panel of experts will choose winning images, based on originality, informational content and technical proficiency. The quality of an image will also depend upon its aesthetic value, including impact and composition.

Entries must be submitted by April 28. First prize is a choice of Nikon equipment valued at $3000 and an invitation to the awards reception. The top 20 winning images will be exhibited at museums and science centers across the US.

Additional information about the contest is available at www.nikonsmallworld.com.