Prize-winning AI-generated image sparks backlash and disqualification from Nikon competition
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Nikon has ruled that a prize-winning scientific photography video was AI-generated, disqualifying it from their Small World In Motion contest.
The winning entry, submitted by Dr Ning Xu from Tsinghua University in China, showed tiny hair-like structures called cilia moving in the airway of a child with PCD (a respiratory condition).
However, concerns were raised by scientists that the video was fake, prompting Nikon to investigate. They ultimately decided the use of generative AI broke the competition rules.
Nikon stated: "The video "did not comply with the competition rules regarding generative AI", but added it was not a judgement of the entrant's professional reputation or scientific contributions."
They have now pledged to re-evaluate and update their contest rules in light of this incident.
Dr Xu had acknowledged using AI, but believed he acted within the rules. Dr Robert Hirst, a University of Leicester scientist and former competition judge, was among those who expressed immediate doubt about the video's authenticity.
"I have been diagnosing PCD for 20 years by examining their cilia waveform, length, cell size and shape," said Hirst. "These don't look like those from PCD patients."