AFNS is committed to ensuring that financial limitations never prevent the dissemination of important research. This Waiver Policy outlines how authors may request a reduction or partial waiver of Article Processing Charges (APCs).

Eligibility Criteria

Waivers or discounts may be granted under the following circumstances:

• Authors from low-income countries as defined by the World Bank.
• Authors from lower-middle-income countries with limited research funding.
• Early-career researchers without grant or institutional support.
• Authors facing extraordinary circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, conflicts, or pandemics affecting research support).

Types of Waivers

• Full Waiver: Entire APC is waived, except for service charges, usually for authors from low-income countries.
• Partial Waiver: APC is reduced by 25–75%, depending on need and available support.
• Case-by-Case Waiver: Discretionary waiver granted by the editorial board after reviewing special requests.

How to Apply

Waiver requests must be submitted at the time of manuscript submission. Authors should:

1. Complete the waiver request section within the online submission system.
2. Provide a statement of financial need, including information about research funding.
3. Indicate if co-authors or institutions can partially support the APC.

Requests submitted after acceptance may not be considered.

Decision Process

The editorial office reviews waiver applications confidentially and fairly. Decisions are based on eligibility, justification, and available resources. Authors are notified of outcomes before APC invoices are issued.

Transparency and Fairness

Waivers are granted in a manner that ensures fairness and protects editorial independence. Editorial decisions are never influenced by whether a waiver is granted or denied. All manuscripts are judged solely on scientific merit.

Commitment to Inclusivity

By offering waivers, AFNS ensures that voices from diverse regions and research environments are represented in global discussions of food and nutrition. This policy reflects our belief that knowledge should be shared equitably, regardless of financial capacity.

Waiver and discount programs are an integral part of AFNS’s open access mission. By supporting authors who face financial barriers, the journal advances its commitment to inclusivity, equity, and global accessibility of knowledge.