Refund Policy

Advances in Biosciences Research (ABR) is committed to providing authors with a smooth and transparent experience throughout the submission, review, and publication process. While the journal offers an open-access model for disseminating research, there may be cases where authors seek clarification on refunds related to submission or publication fees. This Refund Policy outlines the conditions under which refunds may be considered.

Key Elements of the Refund Policy:

  1. Submission Fees:

    • Non-refundable: Submission fees are non-refundable. Once a manuscript has been submitted, the associated submission fee cannot be refunded, regardless of the outcome of the submission (acceptance, revision, or rejection).
    • Submission fees cover the administrative costs of the submission and initial editorial processing and are not contingent on whether the manuscript is accepted for publication.

  2. Publication Fees:

    • Non-refundable After Acceptance: Publication fees are generally non-refundable once a manuscript is accepted for publication. These fees are used to cover the costs of the peer review process, editing, formatting, and hosting the article as an open-access publication.
    • If an article is withdrawn before it is accepted for publication, the publication fee may be refundable, subject to approval and based on the stage of the publication process.

  3. Withdrawal of Manuscript Before Acceptance:

    • If an author decides to withdraw a manuscript before it has been accepted for publication, the manuscript’s submission fee will not be refunded.
    • In cases where the manuscript is withdrawn before the peer review process begins, authors may request a refund of the publication fee if it has already been paid. However, this will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

  4. Withdrawal After Acceptance:

    • If an article is withdrawn after it has been accepted for publication, the publication fee will not be refunded. Withdrawal at this stage incurs costs for the editorial process, including the peer review and editing procedures that have already been completed.
    • In special circumstances, such as personal hardship or extreme cases, the journal may consider partial refunds or adjustments to fees. These requests should be submitted in writing with supporting documentation.

  5. Errors or Technical Issues:

    • In the event that an error occurs due to a technical failure or incorrect billing, such as duplicate payments or mistakes in processing, the journal will investigate the issue promptly and may issue a refund for the overcharge or incorrect payment.
    • Refunds for overcharges will be processed using the same method by which the payment was made.

  6. Retraction and Refunds:

    • If a manuscript is retracted after publication due to reasons such as ethical violations, plagiarism, or scientific misconduct, the publication fee will not be refunded. The retraction notice will be published with the appropriate explanation.

  7. Requests for Refunds:

    • Authors requesting a refund should submit a formal request to the editorial office via email, outlining the reason for the request, along with any relevant details or supporting documentation (e.g., payment receipt).
    • Refund requests will be reviewed by the editorial team, and decisions will be communicated within 10 business days.

  8. Exceptional Circumstances:

    • In exceptional circumstances, such as financial hardship or unforeseen personal issues, authors may request a refund of the publication fee before acceptance. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require supporting documentation.
    • The editorial board will assess the situation and provide a decision based on the nature of the request.

  9. Administrative Fees:

    • In certain situations, the journal may charge administrative fees for specific services (e.g., for expedited processing or additional manuscript revisions). These fees, if applicable, will be non-refundable once the service has been rendered.

Conclusion: Advances in Biosciences Research strives to provide a fair and transparent approach to handling refund requests. While submission and publication fees are generally non-refundable, the journal recognizes that exceptional circumstances may arise, and requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Authors are encouraged to review the journal's policies before submitting to understand the fee structure and the conditions under which refunds may be considered.