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A former Shetland Times reporter is all set off for an exciting writing job in Latin America after winning a $20,000 prize for excellence in science communications.
Daniel Shailer, who has been at the newspaper for a little over a year, celebrated his final day in the newsroom on Friday.
He not only won a prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, held last month in Washington DC, but has also been awarded a grant to support his next reporting adventure.
Mr Shailer was one of 24 award winners at last month’s ceremony, sharing in a total prize fund of $640,000.
The prestigious awards recognise science journalists, and other communicators, who have developed original work to help bring advances in science, engineering, and medicine to the general public.
Mr Shailer’s submissions related to a previous stint of reporting in the US and Mexico, which covered topics such as climate change, poaching and lost species of animals.
During his time at The Shetland Times, Mr Shailer also investigated scientific issues such as water pollution, forever chemicals and carbon emissions. He also kept a close eye on developments in the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
Reflecting on his time at the newspaper, he said: “In a media landscape with vanishingly little proper local news, Shetland is blessed to have a vibrant pool of outlets and talented reporters who care about this community. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of that.
“I have learnt loads and enjoyed it immensely. I can’t think of another job that would have me plodding through peatbogs one week, then out on a scallop dredger or salmon farm the next.
“My last week with the paper has been a perfect example. In between fielding calls from some of the big businesses trying to shape Shetland’s future, I met people who trusted us to share some of the very worst and best moments of their lives.
“On Monday I spoke with a father about a life-changing accident and the system that caused it. By Tuesday, I was in Lerwick town hall watching a small group celebrate becoming British citizens after months or years of gruelling admin. What an honour, and responsibility, to be able to share those experiences.
“Looking forward, I’ve been fortunate enough to secure a grant to spend some time reporting from Latin America in the new year, and I’m excited to bring what I’ve learnt at The Shetland Times to that and whatever other stories the future brings.
“I’m grateful to the team that welcomed me to the paper little over a year ago, and to all our readers for sharing their stories and keeping us honest. So long, and thanks for all the fish.”
Shetland Times editor Andrew Hirst has thanked Mr Shailer for his work at the paper and wished him well on his upcoming adventures.
“Daniel has been a great asset for The Shetland Times and we will all miss him now he’s gone,” he said.
“However, his award is greatly deserved and it is fantastic that it has opened doors for a new, exciting chapter of his career.”
