Main image via malaysiakini + CNA
For many writers and journalists, receiving a Pulitzer Prize is one of the top honours an individual could achieve in their careers.
Malaysian-born journalist Ed Yong now ranks as a Pulitzer Prize winner when he was awarded with the honour for his explanatory reporting of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Image via The New York Times
The 2021 Pulitzer Prize winners were announced recently and in a tweet, it was shared that the science writer for American magazine The Atlantic, was awarded the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting.
The Pulitzer Prize for explanatory reporting recognizes “a distinguished example of explanatory reporting that illuminates a significant and complex subject, demonstrating mastery of the subject, lucid writing and clear presentation, using an available journalistic tool.”
According to the prize’s website, Ed - who is based in Washington, DC, USA; won the prize for his “series of lucid, definitive pieces on the Covid-19 pandemic that anticipated the course of the disease, synthesized the complex challenges the country faced, illuminated the US government’s failures and provided clear and accessible context for the scientific and human challenges it posed.”
In a page on the magazine’s website that compiled the journalist’s articles on the pandemic in the US, it noted that Ed had “anticipated the course of the coronavirus pandemic, clarified its dangers, and illuminated the American government’s disastrous failure to curb it.”
The Atlantic added that the Malaysian-born science writer correctly predicted an interconnected set of dangers for the US, including breakdowns in international communication, chronic under-funding of public health, shortages of supplies and scientific expertise at the federal level.
Image via CNA
Responding to the accolade, Ed shared that though reporting on the pandemic was one of the most difficult challenges of his professional life, it was also the most fulfilling.
“I did my best to give our readers a stable platform from which to make sense of a crisis that defied sense,” he tweeted. “I’m sad these stories were ever necessary, but I hope they make a difference.”
Thanking the Pulitzer board and jurors for his win, he noted that he was also grateful for the “around 300 sources who took time to share their expertise with (him) during a year when we all had a little time to spare.”
“It really takes a village, and in recognition of that I’ll be splitting the prize money between everyone who worked on my pieces last year – every editor, copy editor, fact checker, artist, and more,” Ed said. “Even when individuals win Pulitzers, their work depends on a community. I want to honour mine.”
Image via malaysiakini
Congratulations Ed Yong on your incredible achievement!
We can’t wait to see what more the science journalist will accomplish!
Info via CNA