Article Processing Charges (APC)

Plant Science Horizons (PSH) is committed to equitable, transparent, and accessible scholarly publishing by supporting free publication opportunities for researchers worldwide.

1. APC Policy Overview

Plant Science Horizons (PSH) is committed to promoting the broad dissemination of high-quality scientific research while ensuring accessibility for authors from diverse economic and academic backgrounds.

At present, the journal operates under a no-fee publication model, and no Article Processing Charges (APCs) are required from authors for submissions or publications until December 31, 2029.

During this period, authors can submit, review, and publish their work completely free of charge, without any hidden fees at any stage of the publication process.

2. No Charges for Authors (Until 2029)

The journal does not charge any fees for the following services:

✓ Manuscript submission
✓ Editorial processing
✓ Peer review
✓ Copyediting & typesetting
✓ Online publication
✓ DOI assignment
✓ Indexing & archiving services

This policy ensures that all authors, regardless of their institutional or financial resources, have equal opportunity to publish their research.

3. Commitment to Equitable Publishing

By waiving APCs until 2029, Plant Science Horizons aims to:

  • Support early-career researchers and students
  • Encourage submissions from low- and middle-income countries
  • Promote global participation in scientific publishing
  • Remove financial barriers to knowledge dissemination
  • Foster inclusivity and diversity in research

4. Funding & Sustainability

During the APC waiver period, the journal’s operational and publishing costs are supported through:

  • Institutional support
  • Publisher resources
  • Editorial and academic collaboration

Editorial decisions are made independently of financial considerations, and the absence of APCs does not influence the quality or rigor of the peer review process.

5. Future APC Policy (Post-2029)

The current no-APC policy is valid until December 31, 2029. After this period, the journal may introduce Article Processing Charges to support sustainable publishing operations.

Any future APC structure will:

  • Be clearly communicated in advance
  • Be transparently published on the journal website
  • Include possible waivers or discounts for eligible authors

6. No Influence on Editorial Decisions

The journal strictly adheres to the principle that editorial decisions are independent of financial considerations.

Acceptance or rejection of manuscripts is based solely on:

Scientific quality
Originality
Methodological rigor
Relevance to the journal

The absence of APCs does not affect the editorial standards or peer review process.

7. Transparency & Ethics

Plant Science Horizons is committed to transparency in all aspects of publishing. Authors will not be charged any fees without prior and clear disclosure.

The journal does not engage in:

✕ Hidden fees
✕ Submission fees
✕ Fast-track publication charges
✕ Mandatory paid services

8. Final Statement

By offering free publication until 2029, Plant Science Horizons (PSH) reinforces its commitment to open science, equitable access, and global knowledge sharing. The journal strives to create an inclusive publishing environment that supports researchers worldwide and promotes the advancement of plant science without financial barriers.