Waiver Policy

The Annals of Dermatological Research (ADR) is committed to promoting equitable access to scholarly publishing. Recognizing that Article Processing Charges (APCs) may pose a financial barrier for some authors, ADR offers a transparent Waiver Policy to support authors from under-resourced regions and institutions.

Waivers or partial discounts are available for authors who cannot afford APCs, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent the publication of high-quality dermatological research.

Eligibility for Waivers

Full or partial waivers are considered for:

  • Authors from low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) as classified by the World Bank.
  • Early-career researchers and students without institutional funding support.
  • Independent researchers without external funding.
  • Invited articles (editorials, reviews, commentaries) at the editor’s discretion.

Types of Waivers

  • Full Waiver: 100% APC coverage for authors with significant financial hardship.
  • Partial Waiver: 25%–75% APC reduction depending on the author’s circumstances.
  • Discounts: May be provided for high-quality submissions from underrepresented regions.

Application Process

  1. Authors must request a waiver at the time of manuscript submission.
  2. The request must include:
    • A cover letter explaining financial need.
    • Affiliation and funding details (if any).
    • Proof of eligibility (e.g., institutional letter, student ID, or residency in an eligible country).
  3. Waiver decisions are communicated before the article proceeds to peer review.

Conditions and Limitations

  • Waivers are granted at the discretion of the editorial board.
  • Waivers cannot be applied retroactively after payment of APCs.
  • Approval of waivers does not influence editorial or peer review decisions.
  • Authors are encouraged to explore institutional or funder support before applying.

Transparency

ADR maintains transparency in its waiver process. Waivers are designed to facilitate inclusivity in global dermatological research publishing, ensuring that authors from resource-limited settings can disseminate their work.

Funding and Partnerships

ADR actively collaborates with institutions, funding bodies, and nonprofit organizations to secure additional support for authors requiring waivers or reduced APCs.

FAQs

How do I know if I qualify for a waiver?

If you are from a country listed under World Bank LICs or LMICs, or can demonstrate financial hardship, you are eligible to apply.

Can I request a waiver after acceptance?

No. Waivers must be requested at the time of submission.

Does requesting a waiver affect peer review?

No. Editorial and peer review decisions are entirely independent of waiver applications.