Call for Papers: Journal of Centre for Environmental Law (ISSN 2456-2246), Vol. III, Issue 1 on Law, Technology and Environment

The Centre for Environmental Law, Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad invites original submissions for Volume III, Issue 1 of the Journal of Centre for Environmental Law (ISSN 2456-2246). The Journal is a biannual, double-blind peer-reviewed journal run by the Centre and dedicated to research and academic discourse in environmental law. Having published two volumes, it brings together perspectives from law, policy, governance, sustainability, technology and related fields.

The Institute of Law, Nirma University was founded in 2007 and combines legal education with practical training, research and professional development.

The issue examines how technological developments are changing the way environmental problems are identified, regulated and addressed, and the questions of accountability, regulation, access, privacy and governance that new technologies raise. Suggested sub-themes:

• Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Governance: regulatory use of AI, algorithmic decision-making, environmental risk assessment and accountability.
• Digital Technologies and Environmental Monitoring: satellite imaging, remote sensing, drones, big data and technology-driven environmental compliance.
• Technology, Climate Change and Energy Transition: legal regulation of clean technologies, renewable energy, carbon markets and technology-led climate action.
• Emerging Technologies and Environmental Liability: legal responsibility for technology-induced environmental harm, corporate accountability and regulatory challenges.
• Data, Privacy and Environmental Regulation: collection and use of environmental data, digital surveillance, transparency, access to information and privacy concerns.
• Technology, Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice: the role of technology in sustainable development, resource governance, equitable access and the distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

The sub-themes are suggestive, not exhaustive. Any topic within the broader theme may be submitted.

• Full-Length Articles: 5,000 to 10,000 words
• Research Notes: 3,000 to 5,000 words
• Book Reviews: 1,000 to 1,500 words

Word limits exclude the abstract and footnotes. Each submission needs an abstract of 250 to 300 words setting out the research question, methodology and principal arguments, with 3 to 5 keywords placed below it.

• Submissions must be original, unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere.
• Manuscripts must be anonymised, with no name, institutional affiliation or other identifying information; author details go in a separate document.
• Citations must follow OSCOLA (4th Edition).
• Times New Roman, 12 pt body text, 14 pt headings and sub-headings, 10 pt footnotes, 1.5 line spacing, 1 inch margins, A4, justified.
• Submit the manuscript in both Microsoft Word (.docx) and PDF formats.

• A similarity score of up to 15% is permitted; the Editorial Board may examine the nature and source of any similarity before deciding.
• AI-generated content is strictly discouraged and must not be used for substantive portions of the manuscript. AI tools may be used only for limited language enhancement, proofreading or grammar correction.
• Authors may be asked to submit an originality or plagiarism report with the manuscript.

Submissions pass through three stages: a preliminary review for compliance with originality, formatting, anonymity and relevance to the theme; a substantive review in which original articles are assessed by at least two external referees; and a final editorial assessment. Possible decisions are Accepted, Accepted with Minor Revisions, Major Revisions or Rejected. The Editorial Board aims to communicate the initial decision within 6 to 8 weeks of submission.

The call does not mention any submission or publication fee.

Submit through the Centre's Google Form (sign-in to a Google account is required to upload files) by 30 November 2026. Upload:

• the anonymised manuscript with title, in DOCX and PDF formats;
• a separate document with author details and institutional affiliation;
• the abstract and 3 to 5 keywords;
• the Copyright Form, filled in and signed by all authors, and any other declaration the Centre prescribes.

Publication of the issue is expected in January 2027.