Prix Alerte à la Une (Whistleblowing to Investigation, Journalism Award): Emilie Rosso
Date Published: 12 January 2026
Each year, major cases come to light thanks to the revelations of whistleblowers and the investigative work of journalists. To celebrate this essential collaboration for democracy, the Maison des Lanceurs d’Alerte launched the "Prix Alerte à la Une” (Whistleblowing to Investigation, Journalism Award) in 2023.
Winner of the 2025 edition:
In December 2025, the prize was awarded to Emilie Rosso for her thorough investigation into pollution caused by the production of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) by the chemical company Arkema. Based in Pierre-Bénite, near the city of Lyon, Arkema had known since the late 1990s about the toxicity of these highly dangerous chemicals for both human health and the environment, yet continued to use and release them into the air and water, even though it could have limited their impact a decade ago.
Discover Emilie Rosso’s investigation : PFAS Investigation: “Forever Pollutants,” a Legacy of Lies – the Risks Known in Pierre-Bénite Since the 1990s here : https://france3-regions.franceinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/rhone/lyon/enquete-pfas-1-3-polluants-eternels-un-mensonge-en-heritage-a-pierre-benite-on-connait-les-risques-depuis-les-annees-1990-2985056.html (available only in French)
About the Prize:
The award was launched by the Maison des Lanceurs d’Alerte, a French civil society organization supporting whistleblowers and working to influence lawmakers and public opinion to strengthen their legal protection.
Partners and Jury Members: SNJ-CGT, CGT-Journalistes, CFDT-Journalistes, Fonds pour une Presse Libre, International Federation of Journalists and The Signals Network.
The 2026 edition is coming—stay tuned!
Read more.