Full Strategic Framework

Full Strategic Framework

Gandhara Journal of Natural Sciences (GJNS)

 

Vision

“To emerge as a globally recognized platform for advancing innovative, interdisciplinary, and ethically grounded research in natural and applied sciences, fostering scientific knowledge creation, technological innovation, and sustainable development locally, regionally, and globally.”

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Mission

The Gandhara Journal of Natural Sciences (GJNS) is committed to:

✅ Publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research across disciplines in natural and applied sciences.
✅ Bridging traditional knowledge systems with cutting-edge scientific inquiry to address global and regional challenges.
✅ Promoting ethical, inclusive, and impactful scholarship that supports Afghanistan’s scientific and technological progress.
✅ Building capacity among scholars, particularly in conflict-affected and developing regions, to contribute meaningfully to global scientific dialogue.

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Core Values

Academic Excellence
Commitment to rigorous peer review and the dissemination of scientifically robust, innovative, and original research.

Integrity and Ethics
Upholding transparency, fairness, and ethical responsibility in all editorial and publishing processes (aligned with COPE and ICMJE).

Inclusivity and Diversity
Providing a platform for voices from underrepresented groups, young scientists, and researchers from low-resource settings.

Innovation
Embracing technological advancements (AI in peer review, data repositories, interactive publications) and interdisciplinary approaches.

Relevance and Impact
Prioritizing research that addresses real-world problems, contributing to SDGs (health, environment, energy, and technological sustainability).

Collaboration
Fostering partnerships with local, regional, and international academic and research institutions for joint publications and projects.

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Strategic Goals (2025–2030)

Goal 1: Enhance Academic Standing and Global Visibility

  • Achieve indexing in Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ, PubMed Central.
  • Secure impact factor and improve citation metrics.
  • Establish GJNS as a journal of choice for interdisciplinary scientific research in the region.

Goal 2: Foster Inclusive, Diverse, and Ethical Research Contributions

  • Actively encourage submissions from female scientists, early-career researchers, and regional academics.
  • Develop ethical publishing policies aligned with COPE Core Practices and SDGs.

Goal 3: Strengthen Editorial and Peer Review Processes

  • Develop a robust online submission and double-blind peer review system.
  • Expand the editorial board with international experts across disciplines.
  • Introduce reviewer recognition programs (certificates, Publons integration).

Goal 4: Leverage Digital Platforms for Greater Reach

  • Transition to Gold Open Access publishing.
  • Develop an interactive journal website with advanced search, metrics dashboards, and archive features.
  • Integrate ORCID, CrossRef (DOIs), Turnitin, and Crossmark for transparency and credibility.

Goal 5: Promote Interdisciplinary, Policy-Relevant, and Applied Research

  • Prioritize research in emerging fields: biotechnology, renewable energy, climate change, health sciences, AI and machine learning applications.
  • Engage policymakers, industry, and practitioners through research briefs and special issues.

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Strategic Objectives

  • Publish two biannual issues consistently each year with high-quality research papers.
  • Develop partnerships with national and international universities for joint publications and special issues.
  • Organize annual international scientific conferences and symposia.
  • Establish a mentorship program for young and emerging scholars.
  • Ensure all published work complies with Turnitin plagiarism screening and COPE ethical guidelines.
  • Launch a “Women in Science” initiative to support female researchers.
  • Introduce data-sharing policies to encourage open science practices.

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Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Key Indicator

Target by 2030

Number of annual submissions

100+

Acceptance rate

20–30%

Diversity of author pool

Gender parity; Global reach

Indexing status

Indexed in Scopus & WoS

Average citation per article

≥ 5 within 2 years of publication

Website traffic & downloads

50,000 annual page views

Reviewer turnaround time

≤ 4 weeks

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Long-Term Impact

The Gandhara Journal of Natural Sciences will evolve into a globally respected journal that:

Advances scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Influences policy, education, and sustainable practices in Afghanistan and beyond.
Serves as a critical platform for interdisciplinary collaboration addressing SDGs.

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Value Additions

✅ Integration with AI tools (for plagiarism checks, metadata tagging, reviewer matching).
✅ Ethics Dashboard on website (showing COPE compliance, corrections, retractions).
✅ Altmetrics integration to measure social and policy impact of published research.
✅ Reviewer Recognition Program (Publons, ORCID credit).
✅ Annual GJNS Awards for Best Paper, Best Reviewer, and Young Researcher of the Year.

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Contact for Strategic Partnerships

Email: [Insert official GJNS email]
CC: rpashtoon@hotmail.com
Editorial Office – Gandhara Journal of Natural Sciences, Kandahar University