HEC seeks applications for accreditation of journals

Pakistani journals granted until March 13 to submit applications

ISLAMABAD:

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has invited applications for accreditation of Pakistan-based research journals for the year 2023-24.

The applications can be submitted before March 13, 2023.

According to a statecent, “the HEC facilitates national research journals published by registered entities through financial support and capacity building to enhance their academic and publication standards.

These entities include universities, degree awarding institutions (DAIs), public sector research and development (R&D) organisations, and non-profit academic societies with the mandate for research and registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The statement further said national research journals complying with HEC requirements for accreditation are recognised annually through an open call.

The higher education body has said that the entities applying for accreditation must have valid ISSN, journal title, functional website, editorial or advisory board with a composition of PhD degree holders in relevant fields or FCPS and FRCSMCPS degrees for medical journals and strong research and publication background.

It also said the journal must be owned by a university, DAI, R&D organisation, private society, or an NGO.

It must have published a minimum of five original research articles per issue and at least two review reports of each article. The editor of the journal will provide a recommendation letter from the head of the institution in case of an approved educational institution or R&D public sector organization, the statement said.

The journals owned by non-profit academic societies with the mandate for research will be considered only after registration with SECP or the Registrar of Societies.

The journals listed in the removed Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ) or Australian Business Deans Committee (ABDC) will not be considered for accreditation, the higher education body said.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2023.