Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are made solely on the basis of:

• Scientific quality.
• Originality.
• Methodological rigor.
• Ethical standards.
• Relevance to the scope of the Journal.

Editors and reviewers are not informed of waiver requests during the peer review process whenever reasonably practicable.

Full APC Waivers

The Journal may grant a 100% APC waiver for manuscripts that satisfy the eligibility criteria established by the Journal.

Automatic full waivers may be available for manuscripts where all authors are affiliated with institutions located in countries classified as Low-Income Economies according to internationally recognized economic classifications in effect at the time of submission.

Eligibility is determined using the current classification adopted by the Journal and may change as international economic classifications are updated.

Partial APC Waivers

Authors who are unable to pay the full APC may apply for a partial waiver. Partial waivers may be considered where authors can demonstrate genuine financial hardship or limited research funding.

Examples include:

• Lack of institutional or grant funding.
• Research conducted without external financial support.
• Institutional budget limitations.
• Independent researchers or retired academics without institutional funding.
• Other exceptional financial circumstances supported by appropriate documentation.

Each application is assessed individually.

Supporting Documentation

Where requested, authors may be asked to provide documentation supporting their waiver request, including:

• A letter from their institution confirming funding limitations.
• Confirmation that publication costs cannot be covered by available grants or institutional funds.
• A statement explaining the financial circumstances affecting the research team.
• Any other documentation reasonably requested by the Editorial Office.

Providing documentation does not guarantee approval of a waiver request.

When to Apply

Authors requesting an APC waiver should submit their request before or at the time of manuscript submission.

Waiver requests should include:

• Manuscript title (if available).
• Corresponding author's name.
• Institutional affiliation(s).
• Reason for the request.
• Any supporting documentation.

Requests submitted after editorial acceptance or after an invoice has been issued may not be considered except in exceptional circumstances.

Review Process

Every waiver application is reviewed individually by the Journal's administrative team. When evaluating a request, the Journal may consider:

• Country of institutional affiliation.
• Availability of research funding.
• Institutional support.
• Nature of the financial hardship.
• Supporting documentation.

The decision of the Editorial Office regarding waiver requests is final.

Confidentiality

Information submitted as part of a waiver request is treated confidentially and is used solely for the purpose of evaluating eligibility.

Financial information provided by authors is not disclosed to reviewers and does not influence editorial evaluation.

Important Information

• Submission of a waiver request does not guarantee approval.
• Approval of a waiver does not influence editorial decisions.
• Payment of an APC does not guarantee acceptance.
• Waiver decisions are made independently from the peer review process.
• Authors are encouraged to request a waiver before submitting their manuscript.

Contact Information

Authors seeking additional information regarding APC waivers or wishing to submit a waiver request may contact:

Editorial Office Annals of Surgery (ANNALSOPEN)
Website: www.aosopen.com
Email: info@aosopen.com