The First Olympus Confocal Micro Imaging Competition China Award Ceremony

The First Olympus Confocal Micro Imaging Competition China Award Ceremony

On January 20, 2010, the award ceremony for the First Olympus Confocal Micro Imaging Competition China was held in Beijing. After rounds of judging and competition, 16 photos fnally won the prize.

The First Olympus Confocal Micro Imaging Competition China Award Ceremony was organized by Sciencenet.cn and sponsored by Olympus China. Since it was launched last November, the organizer received more than 100 entries from scientifc institutes and individuals. These entries featured creative themes and content. A judging panel made up of scholars and experts in the feld of confocal micro imaging offered fair judgment and evaluation on the entries.

The Olympus Confocal Micro Imaging Competition China, widely recognized as the China’s leading life science microscopy photo forum, pays tribute to amazing stories being told through the images captured in today’s laboratories, and on the remarkable confuence of science and art.

Since Olympus was founded, it has been tireless and passionate in its efforts to develop microscopes, following microscopy developments in the West. These efforts were rewarded in 1928 when the company received the outstanding domestic product award at the Tokyo Exhibition for the Promotion of Domestically Made Products. Olympus was also honored to present one of its products to Japanese Emperor Showa.

Then, in 1932, Olympus received the highest honor when awarded frst prize at the fourth Hatsumei Hakurankai Expo. From that moment on, the company was able to achieve steady growth in its microscope business.

The competition—the combination of science, art and fun—enhanced science popularization and demonstrated the imaging skills of the candidates, said Zhao Yan, Editor in Chief of Sciencenet.com.

Microscopes evolved from instruments for looking, examining or recording with instruments for gauging or measuring. Evolving scientific needs drove the development of microscopes capable of quantification, for example, through photometry or colorimetry. Such “color” data enabled signifcant advances in intercellular and genetic research. Moreover, microscope applications expanded into a number of spheres such as testing optical flters used in LCD TVs.

Confocal laser scanning microscopes were supported by cutting-edge technologies, including rapid optical scanning, weak light detection and photoelectric conversion, as well as an optical glass filter with accurate wavelength selectivity (precise, multilayer flm coating technology). These microscope products are the embodiment of “Opto-Digital Technology,” the core competence of Olympus in the field of microscopy. Even today, laser scanning microscopes are becoming faster and producing higher resolution images as computers become more advanced.

Olympus is a precision technology leader, creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products. Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and affliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines.

The Olympus Group is part of society as a whole, sharing its values and putting forward new values through its business conduct thereby pursuing and securing a healthy, happy and more meaningful life for humankind. Olympus aims to establish frm ties with society through the three INs: Involvement, Insight and Inspiration.

Olympus’ activities are guided by respect for human health and safety, and for the natural systems on which human health depends. By ensuring that its technology and business activities are in harmony with the environment, Olympus contributes both to society and the environment.

Since it entered the Chinese market half a century ago, Olympus has forged a deep friendship with the Chinese people. Today, Olympus manifests its fulfillment of its responsibility as a corporate citizen by its own deeds. Olympus will stand at the forefront of building a harmonious society in the future.