Waiver Eligibility

The International Journal of Surgical and Medical Research (IJSMR) is committed to promoting equitable access to scholarly publishing and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent the dissemination of high-quality surgical and medical research. To support researchers from diverse economic backgrounds, the journal offers a structured Article Processing Charge (APC) Waiver Program designed to reduce or eliminate publication fees based on clearly defined eligibility criteria.

Authors who are citizens and residents of low-income economies, as classified by the World Bank and the Research4Life (Hinari) Group A designation, are eligible for an automatic 100% waiver of the article processing charge upon successful acceptance of their manuscript following peer review. Similarly, authors from lower-middle-income economies classified under Research4Life Group B are eligible for a 50% reduction in the standard publication fee. These waivers are applied in accordance with internationally recognized economic classifications to ensure fairness and consistency in supporting researchers from resource-limited settings.

In addition to country-based eligibility, IJSMR recognizes that financial hardship may also affect researchers outside of these classifications, including self-funded scholars, medical trainees, early-career researchers, and independent clinicians without institutional or grant support. Such authors may apply for a discretionary waiver or partial discount by submitting a formal request accompanied by appropriate documentation demonstrating financial need or lack of funding. Each request is evaluated individually to ensure fair consideration while maintaining the sustainability of the journal’s open-access publishing model.

To preserve the integrity of the editorial process, the APC waiver system is strictly separated from editorial and peer review workflows. Information regarding an author’s financial status or waiver application is not disclosed to editors or peer reviewers under any circumstances, ensuring that publication decisions are based solely on scientific quality, methodological rigor, clinical relevance, and ethical standards. Waiver eligibility has no influence on the editorial outcome of a manuscript, and acceptance or rejection decisions remain entirely independent of any financial considerations.

Authors wishing to apply for a waiver must do so at the time of initial manuscript submission through the journal’s submission system. Requests should be clearly indicated during submission or accompanied by a formal waiver application addressed to the Journal Administration Office. Requests submitted after acceptance of a manuscript will not be considered. The journal reviews waiver applications in a timely manner to ensure minimal delay in the editorial workflow.

This Waiver Eligibility Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with global open-access publishing practices and updated economic classifications issued by the World Bank and Research4Life. The policy may be revised as necessary to maintain fairness, transparency, and sustainability in supporting global scientific communication.