Refund Policy

The Life Sciences and Environmental Research Journal (LSERJ) strives to maintain a fair and transparent process for all authors, including clarity regarding the handling of submission fees and refunds. This Refund Policy outlines the conditions under which authors may request a refund and the procedures for doing so.

Eligibility for Refunds:

• Before Peer Review: Authors who decide to withdraw their manuscript before the peer review process has commenced are eligible for a refund of the submission fee, minus any applicable administrative charges. Requests for withdrawal must be made in writing to the editorial office, and the manuscript must not have undergone initial screening or peer review.

• During Peer Review or After Peer Review: Once a manuscript has entered the peer review process, no refund will be provided, as the journal has already allocated resources for handling the manuscript, including editorial time, reviewer fees, and administrative costs.

• Withdrawal After Acceptance: If an article is accepted for publication but the author decides to withdraw it prior to publication, no refund will be issued. This is because the submission and review process has already been completed, and the editorial team has invested significant resources in preparing the manuscript for publication.

• Exception for Exceptional Circumstances: In exceptional cases, such as cases of emergency or unforeseen events (e.g., medical emergencies, personal crises), the editorial office may consider a partial refund or an exemption from fees on a case-by-case basis. Documentation may be required to support the request for an exceptional refund.

Refund Process:

1. Request Submission: Authors wishing to request a refund must submit a written request to the editorial office. The request should include the manuscript ID, title, and the reason for withdrawal or refund.

2. Processing Time: Refund requests will be processed within 30 days from the date the request is received, subject to approval and verification. Refunds will be issued through the same payment method used for submission.

3. Administrative Charges: Any refunds processed before the peer review stage may be subject to an administrative fee, which will be deducted from the original submission fee. The administrative fee covers the initial manuscript handling, basic editorial review, and bank transaction fees.

Non-Refundable Situations:

• Failure to Meet Guidelines: If a manuscript is withdrawn because it does not meet the journal’s submission guidelines or ethical standards, no refund will be issued.

• After Publication: Once a manuscript has been accepted, processed, and published, the submission fee is non-refundable.

Communication with Authors:
LSERJ ensures that all refund requests are handled professionally, and authors will be informed promptly about the status of their request. Any issues regarding refunds will be addressed fairly, and the editorial team will assist authors to resolve them as needed.

By having this Refund Policy in place, LSERJ aims to maintain transparency and fairness throughout the manuscript submission and publication process, ensuring that authors are fully aware of the conditions under which a refund may or may not be granted.