How one journalist turned a pandemic into a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterclass

Health · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In an era of press-release journalism and information overload, Ed Yong emerged as a steadying force. By synthesizing vast amounts of complex data into clear, human narratives, he transformed the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic into award-winning reporting that reached far beyond the scientific community.

Ed Yong’s approach to science journalism is defined by a mission to ignite excitement for science across all educational backgrounds. His work often tackles the most complex and controversial topics, from the nuances of oxytocin to the hidden worlds of the human microbiome. This commitment to clarity was most evident during the global COVID-1s pandemic, where he used his platform at The Atlantic to provide a 'steady rock' for readers drowning in a torrent of conflicting information. Rather than focusing solely on biological data, Yong expanded his scope to include the perspectives of sociologists, anthropologists, and historians, treating the pandemic as a multifaceted human story.

His reporting style is deeply rooted in rigorous scientific training. With a Master of Philosophy in biochemistry from University College London and a degree in natural sciences from the University of Cambridge, Yong possesses the technical foundation to navigate difficult subjects. This expertise allowed him to move beyond the 'pack journalism' often seen in modern news, instead providing deep, explanatory features. His work on the pandemic earned him the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Reporting, as well as the 2020 Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting, specifically noting his dedication to including underrepresented voices.

Beyond pandemic coverage, Yong is a prolific author and blogger. His 2016 book, *I Contain Multitudes*, explores the ubiquitous relationship between microbes and animals, while his 2022 work, *An Immense World*, examines how animal senses reveal hidden realms. His digital presence, including the award-winning blog *Not Exactly Rocket Science*, has served as a case study for academic research into media studies. Whether exploring the 'dastardly' nature of parasites or the potential for customizing indoor microbiomes, Yong’s work remains driven by a simple personal metric: whether a topic is personally interesting, inspiring, or amusing.

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