Waiver Policy

Heighpubs Otolaryngology and Rhinology (HOR) is committed to equitable participation in global research. To reduce barriers, we provide waivers and discounts for Article Processing Charges (APCs). Our waiver policy follows DOAJ best practice, COPE guidelines, and open access mandates such as Plan S.

Eligibility for Waivers

Category Eligibility Waiver/Discount
Low-Income Country Authors World Bank–classified low-income nations 100% waiver
Lower-Middle-Income Country Authors World Bank–classified lower-middle nations 50–75% discount
Early Career Researchers Within 5 years of first publication 25–50% discount
Active Reviewers Authors who reviewed ≥2 manuscripts in past 12 months Voucher or 25% discount
Editorial Board Members Serving editors and section editors Discounted or waived APCs

How to Apply

  1. Prepare your manuscript for submission following Author Guidelines.
  2. Email a waiver request to [email protected] before submission.
  3. Include: manuscript title, corresponding author details, institution, country, and justification.
  4. Attach supporting documents (e.g., institutional letter, proof of eligibility).
  5. Wait for confirmation from the editorial office (within 7 business days).

Principles of Waiver Policy

  • Waivers are granted based on need, not manuscript quality.
  • Editorial decisions are independent of waiver status.
  • Waivers ensure inclusivity without compromising editorial integrity.
  • Funding agencies and institutions are encouraged to support APCs where possible.

Institutional and Funder Support

Many institutions and funders (NIH, Wellcome Trust, Gates Foundation, Horizon Europe) provide APC coverage. Authors are encouraged to explore such options before requesting waivers.

Reviewer and Editorial Contributions

HOR acknowledges the invaluable contributions of reviewers and editors. Discounts or waivers are provided as recognition of voluntary service.

Transparency and Accountability

HOR publicly lists APCs and waiver policies to ensure transparency. No hidden charges or discriminatory practices are applied.

Example: An author from Uganda (low-income country) automatically qualifies for a full APC waiver, while an editorial board member from Brazil may apply for a partial discount.

FAQs

Do waivers affect peer review?

No, peer review is independent of waiver decisions.

When should I apply for a waiver?

Before submission or during initial editorial screening.

Can waivers be combined?

No, authors are eligible for only one waiver/discount category.

Are waiver decisions final?

Yes, editorial office decisions on waivers are final.

Contact Information