Our Story
Research is the backbone of human progress, yet researchers worldwide still face numerous obstacles in getting their work published and recognized. From exorbitant publication fees to lack of visibility, these challenges can hinder the dissemination of valuable knowledge. Many of us at some point in our educational or career journey have experienced these challenges and disappointments. Which is why we built this platform to eliminate frustrations, given that carrying out and writing research is stressful all by itself.
Publishing, while meeting the highest standards of quality, should not be stressful or a barrier to achieving the next level of your success. At SERN, we are committed to breaking down these barriers, offering a free, open-source platform for research journal publishing that makes high-quality research accessible to all. We host journals for free so they incur lower costs of publishing, so the researcher can benefit by paying less for article processing fees.
🚧 The Challenges Researchers Face
1. High Article Processing Fees (APCs)
For many researchers, particularly those from developing regions, the cost of publishing their work can be prohibitive. Traditional journals often charge Article Processing Fees (APCs) ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, limiting access to the publishing landscape.
2. Rejection Rates and Publication Delays
Journals with high impact factors often have stringent submission criteria, leading to frequent rejections. The process can be slow and discouraging, with months or even years passing before research is published.
3. Limited Visibility and Impact
Even after overcoming financial and procedural barriers, many published studies remain behind paywalls, reducing their visibility. This restricts the potential for research to contribute to global knowledge and influence policy or innovation.
4. Bias and Inequality
Researchers from underrepresented regions often face bias in the publishing process. Limited access to funding, resources, and professional networks further exacerbates the inequality.
🌿 How SERN Bridges the Gap
SERN was established to offer a sustainable solution to these challenges by promoting open-access publishing and eliminating unnecessary costs. Here's how we make it possible:
✅ Free and Open Source Platform for Journals
SERN provides a free publishing platform for journals, ensuring no financial barrier prevents valuable research from being published.
Open-access journals hosted on SERN are available to researchers, policymakers, and the public without restrictions.
The cost savings for journals are passed on to the researcher in the form of low or no article processing fees.
🔎 Low or Zero Article Processing Fees (APCs)
While traditional journals charge exorbitant APCs, journals on SERN are entirely free to publish in or have low APCs to cover essential operational costs.
Researchers retain their rights, ensuring transparency and ethical publishing practices.
📡 Global Reach and Indexing
SERN ensures that journals publishing studies are globally indexed and accessible across multiple academic databases.
Researchers gain increased visibility, improving their chances of collaboration, funding opportunities, and career growth.
🚀 Faster Publication Process
With our streamlined peer-review system, research moves from submission to publication faster than traditional processes to balance quality and practicality.
Independent reviewers collaborate efficiently to maintain high standards while minimizing delays.
🌍 Inclusive and Equitable Publishing
SERN values diversity and actively encourages submissions from all regions and institutions.
Our platform fosters international collaboration by connecting researchers across continents.
📚 Real-World Impact
Consider a researcher from a low-resource setting who discovers a groundbreaking solution to a local environmental issue. Through SERN, they can publish their findings without worrying about APCs or lengthy publication delays. Their study is instantly accessible to other researchers, policymakers, and organizations, driving actionable change.
"SERN empowers researchers to turn knowledge into impact, breaking down the walls that have long divided the academic world."
💡 Join the Movement
Whether you are a researcher seeking a fair publishing opportunity or a journal looking to host your articles on a transparent and accessible platform, SERN welcomes you.
Submit Your Research: Publish with confidence and reach a global audience.
Start a Journal: Create your own open-access journal with ease.
Collaborate with Us: Partner with a network of scholars and reviewers dedicated to advancing knowledge.
🌿 Let us build a future where knowledge is free, accessible, and impactful.
👉 Visit us at www.sern.online to learn more, or contact the editor editor@sern.online