“Toxique” authored by Philippe and Statius named a finalist for the Albert Londres Prize, France highest journalism award

“Toxique,” a book co-authored by Sebastien Philippe, a research scholar and lecturer with Princeton University’s Program on Science and Global Security (SGS) and Associate Faculty with the Nuclear Knowledge Program at Sciences Po Paris’ Center for International Relations; and Tomas Statius, a journalist from the French investigative media Disclose, is one of four finalists for the Albert Londres Prize -- France highest journalism award, named in honor of journalist Albert Londres. Created in 1932, it was first awarded in 1933 and is considered the French equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize.

The news was announced today by Hervé Brusini, president of the Albert Londres Prize Committee during the 2021 Assises Internationales du Journalisme.

“Our project sought to break new grounds at the intersection of investigative journalism and scientific research to advance the public interest, ” said Philippe and Statius. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the Albert Londres Prize Committee.”

The book is the result of a two-year exploration of the consequences of French nuclear testing in the Pacific and the continued struggle of local communities and veterans to seek justice and compensation. It finds that more than 90% of the Polynesian population was likely exposed above the threshold necessary for compensation during the period of atmospheric testing – 10 times more than is currently believed based on existing government studies.

A video summarizing the results of the investigation, produced by Disclose and Interprt, a collective of architects who designed the project website, in partnership with SGS, is also in competition for the DIG Awards recognizing the best international investigative journalism videos and films of the past year. 

The winner of the Albert Londres prize will be announced on November 15, 2021.