The NNCI Image Contest 2026

In honor of National Nanotechnology Day, October 9th, the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) is hosting our annual Plenty of Beauty at the Bottom image contest. Referencing Richard Feynman’s 1959 lecture, "There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom," this image contest celebrates the beauty of the micro and nanoscale. Images featured in this contest are produced at one of the 16 NNCI sites during the past two years. Click on the categories below to see all of the images and learn about the research. Voting opened on  September 29, 2026, at 6AM EST and closed on October 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM. 

Most Stunning

Most Unique Capability

Most Whimsical

Sites from across the NNCI will contribute stunning, unique, and whimsical images of the micro and nanoscale for the 2026 image contest.  First place winning artists will receive up to $1,000 in travel support to a professional conference of their choice and their sites receive a framed print of their winning image. Sites who received honorable mentions will also receive a framed print of their image.