In most CIS member states, Higher Attestation Commissions (HAC) operate and maintain lists of peer-reviewed journals. Publication in such journals is one of the conditions for admission to dissertation defence for a scientific degree. The list maintained by the Higher Attestation Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan (OAK) covers both national and foreign journals, including those from other CIS countries – and this broadens a scientist's options when planning a publication strategy.
What are HAC CIS journals
The Higher Attestation Commissions of CIS countries – maintain their own lists of peer-reviewed journals, in which publication confirms the academic qualifications of the author. Journals are included in these lists upon meeting a number of criteria: regularity of publication, availability of independent peer review, transparency of editorial policy, and compliance with formatting standards.
The OAK list of the Republic of Uzbekistan includes both national journals and journals from foreign countries recognised as suitable for publishing the main results of dissertation research. An article published in a journal included in the HAC list of another CIS country is treated as a foreign publication, which satisfies the requirements for the international character of scientific results when preparing for defence.
Which scientists benefit from publishing in HAC CIS journals?
This format may be relevant for a broad range of authors:
- PhD candidates who are required to have no fewer than three publications in HAC-listed journals, including one in a foreign journal
- DSc candidates for whom publication in foreign specialised journals is required alongside publications in OAK-listed journals
- scientists working on regional or applied topics whose audience is concentrated primarily in the Russian-language academic sphere
- those building an initial publication portfolio before entering journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science
An additional consideration is that competition for publication in HAC CIS journals is generally lower than in high-ranking international journals, whilst mandatory full peer review is retained.
Publication requirements for HAC journals
Specific editorial requirements are determined by each journal's policy; however, a number of parameters are common to most journals included in HAC CIS lists:
- the presence of an abstract and keywords, as a rule in two languages
- correct bibliography formatting in accordance with the style adopted by the editorial board
- compliance of the manuscript's length and structure with the journal's requirements
- author details: institutional affiliation and, in some cases, an ORCID identifier
- compliance with publication ethics requirements – information on funding, conflicts of interest, and author contributions
Peer review is conducted according to the model adopted by the specific journal: single-blind or double-blind. The timeframe for manuscript consideration depends on editorial workload, the specifics of the subject area, and the number of revision rounds.
What are the benefits of publishing in HAC CIS journals?
Publication in HAC CIS journals provides a number of practical advantages for a scientist's academic development:
- It counts as a foreign publication when preparing for dissertation defence in the Republic of Uzbekistan, as the journal is a foreign-based publication.
- It provides access to a wide readership within the academic community of CIS countries, thereby facilitating the dissemination of research findings.
- It establishes the author's priority over scientific results in a peer-reviewed journal that meets HAC standards.
- It builds practical experience in working with editorial boards and peer reviewers before moving to higher-ranking journals.
It should be noted that publishing in HAC CIS journals does not replace entry into Scopus or Web of Science; however, it fulfils an independent academic purpose and may form part of a broader publication strategy.
Common mistakes when submitting to a HAC journal
The most common reasons for manuscript rejection include:
- the article's subject matter not matching the journal's profile
- insufficient or unclear description of the research methodology
- errors in bibliography formatting
- non-compliance with the manuscript's required length and structure
- inconsistencies between data in the text, tables, or abstract
Particular attention should be paid to publication ethics: significant overlap with the author's previously published works, improper citation, or the absence of required author declarations are grounds for rejection. Thorough review of the journal's editorial requirements prior to preparing the manuscript allows most common errors to be addressed at an early stage.
Publication in HAC CIS journals remains a well-founded format for scientists seeking to confirm their research results in a peer-reviewed journal with international status. Careful journal selection, strict compliance with editorial requirements, and the quality of the methodology section are the key conditions for successful publication.
Planning to publish in a HAC CIS journal? Specialists at Scientific Publications will help you select a suitable journal and verify your article's compliance with editorial requirements. To receive a free consultation, fill in the form below. Onwards to new scientific achievements!
