GVF's commitment to governance and ethical research practices signals institutional maturity and trustworthiness as a knowledge partner for governments, universities, autonomous organisations, and communities. Robust ethical frameworks and transparent governance structures are not administrative formalities but foundational to credible research, legitimate policy influence, and long-term institutional sustainability. By embedding integrity throughout research design, execution, and dissemination, GVF ensures that its outputs withstand scrutiny, withstand replication, and maintain public confidence in an era of growing scepticism toward research institutions.
GVF operates under rigorous research standards aligned with ICSSR guidelines, international peer review norms, and institutional best practices. All research undergoes ethics review before commencement, with particular attention to studies involving human subjects, vulnerable populations, or sensitive governance topics. Methodology is transparent and documented; data collection, analysis, and interpretation follow established scientific protocols; and findings are reported accurately without suppression or misrepresentation. Researchers disclose limitations, alternative interpretations, and areas of uncertainty. Published work undergoes peer review by independent experts before release, ensuring quality control and credibility.
GVF maintains clear protocols for data collection, storage, access, and archiving. Primary data collected through research is treated as an institutional asset available for secondary analysis and validation by qualified researchers, subject to confidentiality and consent agreements. Data sources, methodological choices, and analytical decisions are documented and disclosed in research outputs, enabling readers to assess reliability and assess reproducibility. Raw data underlying major findings is made available upon request to researchers and institutional partners, consistent with privacy protections and participant consent frameworks.
GVF implements conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements for all researchers and institutional leadership involved in research. Financial conflicts (funding, consultancies, investments), professional conflicts (prior involvement with government agencies or private interests being studied), and personal conflicts are documented and managed. Decisions about research design, data interpretation, and recommendations incorporate safeguards to prevent bias. External advisory committees and peer review processes provide independent oversight when potential conflicts arise, ensuring research independence and analytical objectivity.