To be admitted to the defence of a Candidate of Sciences or Doctor of Sciences dissertation in the Kyrgyz Republic, an applicant is required to publish the results of their research in journals included in the List of Peer-Reviewed Scientific Periodicals of HAC KR, as well as in journals indexed by the international databases Scopus and Web of Science. Selecting the appropriate journals from the outset helps avoid delays when preparing documentation.
What is the HAC KR journal list?
The List of Peer-Reviewed Scientific Periodicals is an official register of journals approved by the Higher Attestation Commission under the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic. Publication in journals from the List is a mandatory requirement for applicants for the academic degrees of Candidate of Sciences and Doctor of Sciences.
Over the past several years, the List has been updated on numerous occasions: journals have been added and removed following scheduled reviews. The latest edition was approved by order of HAC KR on 27 February 2026. This means that before submitting a manuscript, it is essential to consult the current version of the document rather than earlier editions.
Publication requirements for dissertation defence
The minimum number of publications and their composition are established by the Regulations on the Procedure for Awarding Academic Degrees of HAC KR, and vary depending on the degree being sought.
For a Candidate of Sciences dissertation, the principal results must be published in no fewer than 5 works, which must include:
- 1 article in a journal indexed by Scopus and/or Web of Science.
- publications in journals from the current List of Peer-Reviewed Scientific Periodicals of HAC KR.
For a Doctor of Sciences dissertation, no fewer than 15 publications are required, including:
- No fewer than 2 articles in journals indexed by Scopus and/or Web of Science.
- Publications in journals included in the List of Peer-Reviewed Scientific Periodicals of HAC KR.
What to consider when choosing a HAC KR journal
When selecting a journal for publishing dissertation results, a number of practical criteria should be taken into account. First and foremost, it is necessary to confirm that the journal is included in the current edition of the HAC KR List and that its subject profile corresponds to the area of the dissertation research.
Other parameters to consider when selecting a journal:
- alignment of the journal's subject profile with the dissertation topic
- inclusion of the journal in the current HAC KR List at the time of manuscript submission
- frequency of publication and average peer review timelines
- requirements for manuscript formatting, article structure, and reference lists
- the presence of a clearly described editorial policy and a transparent peer review process
If a dissertation is carried out at the intersection of several disciplines, publications may be spread across journals of different subject profiles – provided that all of them are included in the HAC KR List and are substantively related to the research topic.
Criteria for inclusion in the HAC KR list
HAC KR applies a number of formal and substantive requirements to journals seeking inclusion in the List. Journals are required to conduct peer review of submitted manuscripts, maintain a regular publication schedule, and adhere to editorial standards. Inclusion in the List confirms that a journal carries out independent scientific review of submitted materials.
The List is subject to regular revision, meaning the status of a particular journal may change over the course of dissertation work. For long-term publication planning, it is advisable to verify the current standing of the chosen journal in the List immediately before submitting a manuscript.
What to bear in mind when submitting an article to a HAC KR journal
In addition to selecting an appropriate journal, applicants should be mindful of the general requirements that apply to the publications themselves. All published works must strictly correspond to the topic and content of the dissertation – materials unrelated to the research will not be counted. The most recent publications must appear before the dissertation is submitted to the dissertation council.
In addition to articles in HAC KR List journals, the following are treated as equivalent to dissertation publications:
- patents for inventions, utility models, or industrial designs
- certificates for computer programs registered in the prescribed manner
- papers delivered at academic conferences, symposia, or forums and published in full
Newspaper articles, conference abstracts, and deposited manuscripts are not included in the list of qualifying publications.
Selecting the right HAC KR journal is a step that determines whether publications will be accepted as qualifying evidence at a dissertation defence in the Kyrgyz Republic. As the composition of the HAC KR List is periodically revised, it is advisable to verify the current status of the chosen journal immediately before submitting a manuscript.
Planning to publish in a journal for your dissertation defence? Contact Scientific Publications. Our specialists will help you identify a suitable journal that meets HAC KR requirements and will support you at every stage of the publication process. To receive a free consultation, please fill in the form below and our manager will get in touch with you shortly. Onwards to new academic achievements!
