Open Access Policy
The International Journal of Health Studies (Undergoing change to Shahroud Journal of Medical Sciences) (IJHS (Undergoing change to SJMS)) adopts a fully open access (OA) model for publishing articles, which ensures that all content is freely accessible to any user immediately upon publication. This signifies a commitment to disseminating knowledge without barriers, benefiting authors, readers, and the broader scientific community.
Key Features of the Open Access Model
- Immediate Availability: All articles published in IJHS are made available online immediately after publication without any financial barriers or paywalls, allowing for instant access to research findings.
- Non-commercial Use: Users are permitted to use and distribute articles in any non-commercial medium, provided proper credit is given to the authors and the journal. This maintains respect for intellectual property while encouraging wide dissemination.
- Zero Article Processing Charges (APCs): IJHS publishes articles free of charge for authors, making it financially accessible for researchers from various backgrounds, including those from less-funded institutions.
Benefits of Open Access for Authors
- Global Reach and Engagement: Researchers, academicians, and scientists can access and build upon each other’s work without restrictions, fostering collaboration and enhancing the quality of research.
- Accelerated Dissemination of Ideas: Rapid dissemination of new research findings can spark further studies, encouraging a dynamic environment where knowledge flows freely and innovation is fostered.
- Strengthened Knowledge Transfer: Open access enhances education and development by making scientific knowledge readily available, which is critical for researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners in various fields.
- Increased Visibility: Articles published in open access journals are often indexed in numerous databases and recognized by search engines, increasing discoverability and the likelihood of citation.
- Wider Public Engagement: The open access model allows anyone interested in the subject matter—from students to industry professionals—to access cutting-edge research, thus fostering a well-informed society.
- Copyright Retention: Authors maintain copyright of their work upon publication, allowing them to share and reuse their research while also contributing to the intellectual commons.
- Enhanced Readership and Impact: Open access articles typically experience higher visibility and readership compared to subscription-based articles, which can lead to more citations and greater impact within the academic community.
- Rapid Publication Process: Open access models often facilitate shorter publication times, enabling authors to share their findings more quickly with the scientific community.
- Open access publications provide the opportunity to extensively delve into subjects without being constrained by the article length or content restrictions found in traditional print journals.
The IJHS’s commitment to open access promotes an inclusive approach to scholarly communication, enabling researchers to share and build upon knowledge effectively. By prioritizing accessibility and the dissemination of scientific research, IJHS supports a vibrant and progressive academic landscape. Researchers and readers alike benefit from the openness and freedom that this publishing model provides.
