Article processing charges (APC) information
Bio Aid Ltd. publishes all its journals under a full Open Access model, ensuring that all published research articles are freely accessible worldwide without subscription barriers. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0 International) license, allowing unrestricted reading, sharing, reuse, and adaptation of published work provided appropriate citation is given to the original authors.
To sustain this Open Access publishing model, IBN applies an Article Processing Charge (APC) for manuscripts that are accepted after peer review. This APC supports the full range of editorial, technical, and production services required to maintain high-quality scholarly publishing, including peer review coordination, manuscript handling, copyediting, typesetting, digital publication, indexing, and long-term archiving. The APC is applied only after a manuscript has been formally accepted and has no influence on editorial or peer review decisions.
What does the APC cover?
The APC at IBN covers a comprehensive set of publishing services that ensure the integrity, quality, and global dissemination of scholarly work. These services include manuscript submission system maintenance and technical infrastructure that supports continuous operation of the peer review platform. It also includes editorial triage processes carried out by trained editorial staff who assess manuscripts for scope, originality, ethical compliance, and scientific relevance before and during peer review.
A significant portion of the APC supports the coordination of peer review, where editorial staff assist academic editors by inviting reviewers, tracking review progress, communicating decisions, and ensuring timely revisions. However, final editorial decisions remain entirely independent and are made solely by academic editors based on scientific merit.
The APC also covers production services, including professional copyediting, formatting, typesetting, XML conversion, PDF production, and layout design. Minor language editing in English is included to ensure clarity and readability, while extensive language editing is outside the standard APC scope. Proofreading services are also included, during which authors are given the opportunity to review and approve the final version before publication.
In addition, APC resources support indexing and discoverability services, ensuring that published articles are disseminated through global indexing databases and scholarly search platforms. Long-term digital preservation is also included, guaranteeing that published research remains permanently accessible through recognized archiving systems and repositories.
Research integrity tools, including plagiarism detection systems, image screening software, and data verification tools, are also supported through APC funding. These systems help maintain the credibility and reliability of the scholarly record and ensure compliance with international publishing ethics standards.
Discounts and waivers
IBN is committed to supporting equitable access to publication opportunities for researchers across different regions and institutions. APC discounts or waivers may be provided in selected cases, including special invitations from the editorial office, institutional agreements, or recognized collaborative programs. Any discount or waiver is applied independently of the peer review process and does not influence editorial evaluation or acceptance decisions.
All manuscripts are evaluated strictly on scientific quality, originality, and methodological rigor. Financial considerations do not play any role in the editorial decision-making process. Any approved waiver or discount is processed separately from peer review activities to ensure complete editorial independence.
Local sales taxes
Applicable local taxes, including VAT or other regional sales taxes, may be added to the APC depending on the author’s country of residence and relevant tax regulations. These charges, if applicable, are calculated in accordance with national laws and are clearly indicated in the final invoice issued after acceptance.
Authors are advised to consult their institutional finance or funding office to determine whether tax exemptions or reimbursements may apply under local regulations.
Language and figures
The APC includes minor English language editing to improve clarity, grammar, punctuation, and readability. However, manuscripts requiring extensive language correction may be returned to authors prior to acceptance or may require additional editing support.
Figure preparation and formatting are included in the publication workflow. Authors are responsible for ensuring that figures are of high resolution, properly labeled, and scientifically accurate. If figures require substantial redesign or correction beyond standard formatting, additional editorial services may be required before publication.
Funding of APCs
Authors are encouraged to secure funding for APCs through institutional grants, research funding agencies, or academic support programs. Many universities and funding organizations recognize APCs as an eligible research dissemination expense and provide dedicated support for Open Access publication.
Accepted currencies
IBN accepts APC payments in multiple international currencies to facilitate global accessibility for authors. Payments may be made in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) or United States Dollars (USD), depending on author preference and institutional requirements. Currency conversion, where applicable, is based on prevailing exchange rates at the time of invoicing.
Accepted methods of payment
Payments are processed through secure and officially authorized financial channels only. Accepted methods of payment may include bank transfer and other officially designated electronic payment systems specified in the invoice. All payments must be made strictly according to the instructions provided in the official invoice issued by IBN.
IBN does not authorize any third-party agents or intermediaries to collect APC payments. Authors are advised to ensure that all transactions are conducted only through verified institutional banking channels linked to official invoices.
Biologica Aid Limited invoicing, payment and refund FAQs
All invoices are issued only after formal acceptance of a manuscript. The invoice is sent directly to the corresponding author or designated payment contact through official IBN communication channels. Only invoices issued directly by IBN are considered valid for payment processing.
Authors are advised not to respond to or act upon any payment requests received from unofficial sources. Any discrepancies related to billing should be immediately reported to the editorial office for verification.
Refunds are generally not applicable once publication processes have commenced. However, in rare and exceptional cases involving administrative or technical errors, refund requests may be reviewed in accordance with institutional policy.
All financial transactions are handled with strict transparency, ensuring compliance with international publishing ethics and financial governance standards.