The 2026 Cambridge Microscopes 4 Schools Competition came to a close earlier this month, inspiring more than 600 students from 21 schools across Cambridge, Peterborough and Bedfordshire to explore the fascinating microscopic world. The programme encourages scientific curiosity and creativity by revealing the hidden structures within everyday objects, while introducing students to the exciting world of scientific research.
Priority is given to schools in areas where children may have limited exposure to scientific careers or are from backgrounds currently underrepresented in science. Each participating school receives a handheld digital microscope for two weeks, during which students collect and examine a range of biological specimens, including bird feathers, insects and flower petals. After exploring their samples, each school submits their ten best microscope images to the competition for judging.
During these two weeks, students also have the opportunity to take part in an online “Meet the Scientist” session, where LMB researchers explain how microscopes work, share insights into their cutting-edge research and answer students’ questions about their work and careers in science. This year, 31 scientists took part, enthusiastically embracing the opportunity to inspire and engage the next generation of potential researchers.
The Cambridge competition is led by Group Leader Simon Bullock and the LMB Light Microscopy Facility, with coordination provided by the LMB Public Engagement Team. This year’s entries were judged by Brad Amos, LMB Emeritus Scientist and Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society; Shraddha Nayak, Head of Visual Communications at the LMB; Madeline Lancaster, Group Leader and Joint Head of the Cell Biology Division; together with our “Meet the Scientist” volunteers.
This year’s First Prize went to Balliol Primary School in Bedford for their image of a tarantula’s skin. Judges praised its “good lighting, focus and use of a unique and interesting object”. The school has won a digital microscope kindly donated by the competition sponsors, Brunel Microscopes Ltd.
Lime Academy Watergall in Peterborough took Second Prize for their image of a flower, commended for its “very aesthetic composition”. Third Prize went to Old Fletton Primary School in Peterborough for their image of a fly, described by the judges as “an interesting whole object composition with good appreciation of the iridescence”.
Teachers from participating schools praised the programme, sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback:
“Microscopes 4 Schools gave the opportunity for our children to explore and experience the weird and wonderful microscopic world and unlocked a new thirst for scientific knowledge.”
“The children loved investigating materials further by using a microscope. To have a conversation with real life scientists was inspiring!”
“The competition was a powerful catalyst for curiosity. It gave the children the chance to explore the invisible worlds around them, transforming abstract science into something tangible, beautiful and deeply exciting!”
Further references
Microscopes 4 Schools
Previous Cambridge Microscopes 4 Schools winners
