TechRepublic has covered the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition before — including 2010 categories and winners — but this is the first year that we are encouraging the TechRepublic community to vote for their favorite photomicrograph.

According to a recent press release:

[The] 2011 Small World Photomicrography Competition Popular Vote is open. Visit Nikon Small World by 5:00 PM EDT on Monday, October 31, to vote for your favorites images from the more than 100 finalists chosen by this year’s panel of judges. The Popular Vote winner will be recognized this fall, along with the judges’ selection of 2011 Small World winners, which is narrowed down from almost 2,000 entries.

“For 37 years, the Small World judging panel has featured some of the most esteemed names in science, scientific imaging, and science journalism — each offering their unique insights in the selection of our incredible winners,” said Eric Flem, Communications Manager, Nikon Instruments. “With the Popular Vote, scientists and enthusiasts alike can serve as judges. We hope fun activities like this help create an awareness of — and spark the public’s interest in — learning more about photomicrography, science, and what we do at Nikon.”

Nikon Small World is the oldest and most respected competition of its kind. It has become the top forum for showing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope, and it celebrates the world’s best photomicrographers who create beautiful imagery while demonstrating a variety of scientific disciplines.

The judge’s choices will be revealed on October 4, but since the Popular Vote is open until October 31, that means you can go back and vote again to make sure your favorite photomicrograph is represented at the top. TechRepublic will follow up with a photo gallery (or two) when the winners are announced. Visit Nikon Small World to vote for your favorite photomicrograph today!

The winning photo in 2010 (see image on left) was taken by Jonas King – Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences in Nashville, TN. This photomicrograph is of a Anopheles gambiae (mosquito) heart (100X) Fluorescence.