Waiver Policy
The Journal of Hematology and Clinical Research (JHCR) is committed to equitable access in publishing. Through its Waiver Policy, the journal ensures that researchers, clinicians, and scholars from financially constrained institutions and developing regions can publish their work without financial barriers.
This policy aligns with the DOAJ Principles of Transparency and COPE recommendations to support inclusivity and fair opportunity for all contributors in the global scientific community.
Eligibility for Waiver Consideration
Waivers or discounts on Article Processing Charges (APCs) may be granted to:
- Authors affiliated with institutions located in low- or lower-middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank).
- Early-career researchers and postgraduate students lacking institutional funding.
- Authors submitting papers resulting from non-funded research or humanitarian projects.
- Special issue contributors invited by the Editorial Board.
Note: Waiver requests should be submitted prior to manuscript acceptance to ensure transparent processing. Requests after publication cannot be accommodated.
Types of Waivers Offered
| Waiver Type | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Full Waiver (100%) | APC completely waived for corresponding authors from low-income countries. | World Bank low-income economy listing and no institutional funding. |
| Partial Waiver (50%) | APC reduced by half for authors from lower-middle-income countries or self-funded researchers. | World Bank lower-middle-income status or verified hardship. |
| Special Waiver (25%) | Discount for invited papers, early-career researchers, or contributors to special thematic issues. | Case-by-case editorial decision. |
Application Procedure
Authors seeking an APC waiver must email a formal request to [email protected] with the following information:
- Manuscript title and type of submission.
- Corresponding author’s full name, affiliation, and country.
- Justification for the waiver request, including financial hardship explanation.
- Documentation or institutional proof, if available.
The finance and editorial teams jointly review all waiver applications before final acceptance.
Evaluation Criteria
Waiver decisions are guided by transparency and fairness. Factors considered include:
- Corresponding author’s country classification (World Bank data).
- Availability of institutional or grant funding.
- Scientific merit and relevance of the manuscript to the journal’s scope.
- Previous publication history with JHCR or other HSPI journals.
Authors will be notified of waiver decisions via email within 5–7 business days of submission.
Transparency and Independence
Waiver approval or denial does not influence editorial decisions. Manuscripts are assessed solely on scientific quality, originality, and ethical standards. Reviewers and editors remain unaware of the financial status or waiver applications of any author.
Institutional and Society-Sponsored Waivers
Occasionally, Heighten Science Publications Inc. and partner institutions sponsor APC waivers for special collections, thematic issues, or conference proceedings. Such sponsorships are announced on the journal website and via newsletters.
Confidentiality and Data Handling
All waiver requests are treated confidentially. Financial and personal information provided by authors is used solely to evaluate eligibility and is not disclosed to third parties without consent, in accordance with GDPR compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a waiver after acceptance?
No. Waivers must be applied for before the acceptance notification to maintain transparency.
Does applying for a waiver affect peer review?
Absolutely not. Waiver applications are handled separately and never shared with editors or reviewers.
Are waivers available for funded projects?
Generally, no. If a study is funded by an organization or institution, authors are expected to use those funds to cover APCs.
Can multiple authors request waivers for the same paper?
Only the corresponding author may apply for the waiver on behalf of all co-authors.
Is there a limit to the number of waivers per year?
Yes. To ensure fairness, JHCR limits the total number of granted waivers annually based on available funding and sponsorship allocations.
Contact Information
Finance and Waiver Support Office – Journal of Hematology and Clinical Research (JHCR)
Heighten Science Publications Inc.
Website: https://www.hematologyresjournal.com/
Email: [email protected]