IMPORTANT: New Tiered Contribution Policy Starting November 2025

2025-10-24

Dear Academic Community,

RELACult - Latin American Journal of Studies in Culture and Society announces the implementation of the Tiered Contribution System for Sustainability (TCSS), an innovative initiative that ensures the continuity and quality of our scientific publication while maintaining our principles of inclusion and accessibility.

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE IMPORTANT: Manuscripts submitted until October 31, 2025, remain completely free of charge.

  • October 2025: Communication and clarification period.

  • November 1, 2025: TCSS begins for new manuscripts.

  • Maximum duration: 24 months (may be revoked earlier).

WHAT IS THE TIERED CONTRIBUTION SYSTEM?

Unlike traditional APC fees, our system allows you to choose how to contribute based on your socioeconomic reality. It is not a fixed fee, but a collaborative contribution to maintain the quality and sustainability of the journal.

CONTRIBUTION MODALITIES SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION

Values: BRL 150 / USD 50

Intended for:

  • Undergraduate and graduate students without scholarships.

  • Independent researchers.

  • Authors from low-income countries.

  • Researchers without institutional funding.

STANDARD CONTRIBUTION

Values: BRL 300 / USD 75

Intended for:

  • Researchers affiliated with educational institutions.

  • Recommended value for most cases.

  • Balances sustainability and accessibility.

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT CONTRIBUTION

Values: BRL 450 / USD 100

Intended for:

  • Researchers with specific funding for publication.

  • Institutions with publication cost policies.

  • Solidarity contribution that helps finance waivers for colleagues.

BENEFITS AND WAIVERS FULL WAIVER (100% free)

How to request: Insert justification in the "Comments to Editor" section when submitting your manuscript.
Criteria: Situation of socioeconomic vulnerability or lack of funding.

50% DISCOUNT (Automatic)

Who qualifies: CLAEC members in good standing.
Application: Automatic, applies to any chosen modality.
Example: Standard Contribution becomes BRL 150 (or USD 37.50) for members.

Want to become a member? Access: https://claec.org/institucional/associe-se/

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY What we will do with the resources:

  • OJS platform maintenance

  • DOI assignment to articles

  • Professional technical review and editing

  • Abstract translation

  • International indexing improvements

  • Editorial team training

Our commitment:

  • Independent evaluation after 12 months

  • Annual reviews with community participation

  • Active search for alternative funding to return to the free model

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why implement this system now?
A: To ensure sustainability during our transition to a think tank and search for permanent funding, while maintaining the Qualis B1 quality achieved.

Q: Can I still submit in 2025 at no cost?
A: YES! All manuscripts submitted until 10/31/2025 are completely free.

Q: How do I request a full waiver?
A: Through the "Comments to Editor" section available in our portal when submitting your manuscript, with a simple explanation of your situation.

Q: Is the system permanent?
A: NO. Maximum duration of 24 months, with possibility of early revocation.

Q: Are the values fixed or can I choose?
A: You choose the modality most appropriate to your socioeconomic reality.

Q: When should I pay?
A: Payment is requested only after final acceptance of the manuscript, before publication.

QUESTIONS AND SUPPORT

RELACult Editorial Team
Email: relacult@claec.org

OUR MISSION CONTINUES

RELACult maintains its commitment to:

  • Open access to scientific knowledge

  • Inclusion of researchers from all of Latin America

  • Editorial quality recognized internationally

  • Transparency in all processes

This temporary measure will allow us to continue being the inclusive, quality journal that the academic community deserves, while we work to find definitive funding solutions.

We appreciate the understanding and support of the academic community during this transition. Together, we will keep alive the mission of democratizing scientific knowledge in Latin America.

RELACult Editorial Team
Latin American Center for Studies in Culture - CLAEC