Council for Research Ethics and Review (CRER)

(Under the Division of Academic and Research Affairs — as per Charter Section 5, Clause 5.4)

The Council for Research Ethics and Review (CRER) serves as the ethical and regulatory authority within the Division of Academic and Research Affairs (DARA). It ensures that all research and publication activities under the Nirmaya Foundation adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, ethical conduct, and intellectual responsibility.

CRER functions as an independent advisory and oversight body, providing guidance on research methodology, authorship standards, peer-review processes, and conflict resolution in alignment with international best practices and the Nirmaya Foundation Charter.

Purpose and Mandate

The Council’s purpose is to cultivate a culture of honesty, transparency, and responsibility in all academic and publication initiatives. Its mandate includes:

• Reviewing ethical compliance in all research and editorial activities.
  
  

• Ensuring adherence to the Foundation’s Code of Academic Conduct and COPE standards.
  
  

• Overseeing peer-review integrity and addressing plagiarism, data fabrication, or misconduct.
  
  

• Providing ethical clearance for Foundation-affiliated studies and journals.
  
  

• Advising DARA on policy development and ethical review mechanisms.
  
  

Governance and Oversight

The Nirmaya Foundation Council, through its official email council@nirmayafoundation.in, will maintain an alias crer@nirmayafoundation.in to manage all CRER-related communications and operations. The Council, through this mechanism, will maintain a close oversight of:

• International Journal of Business & Management Research Studies (IJBMRS)
  
  

• Indian Journal of Climate & Environment Studies (IJCES)
  
  

• Ahmedabad Business Review (ABR) editorial and content division
  
  

This ensures that CRER functions with transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Foundation’s ethical and academic standards.

Ethical Principles

CRER’s work is guided by:

• Integrity: Commitment to truthfulness and transparency.
  
  

• Accountability: Ensuring all publications and research align with Charter-defined ethical expectations.
  
  

• Equity: Fair and unbiased assessment of all submissions and projects.
  
  

• Responsibility: Protecting the credibility and trust of the Foundation’s academic ecosystem.