The National Academy of Science and Technology (abbreviated as NAST PHL) is the highest recognition and scientific advisory body of the Philippines under the Department of Science and Technology. It was created through Presidential Decree 1003-A issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1976 to honor and recognize Filipino scientists who made worthy contributions in the advancement of science and technology in the country. It also recommends individuals to be conferred the Order of National Scientist upon approval of the President of the Philippines.
The establishment of the National Academy of Science and Technology was a proposal of several professors from the University of the Philippines. It was endorsed by the National Science Development Board (now Department of Science and Technology) to the President of the Philippines. NAST was created through Presidential Decree 1003-A issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on October 6, 1976. In 1978, President Marcos named the first ten members of the academy from members of the scientific community with three of them proclaimed as National Scientist, namely: Juan S. Salcedo Jr., Alfredo C. Santos and Gregorio Y. Zara. Through Executive Order 818 in 1982, the academy was tasked to give recommendations to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the Cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country.
The National Academy of Science and Technology is mandated:
The Academy's functions are the following:
Members of the National Academy of Science and Technology are nominated by members of the scientific community. Current NAST members deliberate on the membership of an individual, following strict rules and regulations. Once admitted to the organization, members are called Academicians (abbreviated as Acd.). The academy is divided into several divisions to which an Academician is a member depending on his area of expertise. The divisions are the following:
From each division of the academy, a chair is elected to form the Executive Council. A president, vice-president, and secretary are elected from the Executive Council. The secretariat of NAST is headed by a director and implements the decisions of the Executive Council, and attends to the day-to-day affairs of the Academy. Currently, the NAST Executive Council is composed of:
A Director heads the NAST Secretariat, which implements decisions of the Executive Council and attends day-to-day affairs of the Academy. The Secretariat is composed of two divisions, namely: Technical Services Division and Finance Administrative Division.
Members of the NAST are called Academicians. As of 2024, there are 71 living Academicians.
All National Scientists are members of the NAST. As of August 2024, there are 11 living National Scientists.
Corresponding membership is conferred on non-resident Filipino scientists who have made exemplary contributions to the advancement of science and technology and must have continuing connections and contributions to Philippine science. They should regularly come to the Philippines toÃÂ practice their field of expertise. Filipino citizenship and residency are waived as long as the three qualifications are met.
The academy has conducted a scientific meeting every July since 1978. It gathers scientists from all over the country to discuss relevant issues related to science and technology. At the end of the convention, NAST honors exemplary scientists from different fields and presents recommendations to the government through the secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.
NAST also recognizes worthy contributions of Filipino scientists in the advancement of science and technology in the country during its Annual Scientific Meeting. It includes the following recognitions: Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS), The World Academy of Sciences for Developing Countries (TWAS) Prize for Young Scientists in the Philippines, NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists, NAST Environmental Science Award, NAST-LELEDFI Award for Outstanding Research in Tropical Medicine, Outstanding Scientific Papers, Outstanding Books and Outstanding Monographs.
As a promoter of science and technology, NAST also publishes books and monographs based on studies of present academicians, members of the scientific community and world-renowned scientists. Conference proceedings of their annual scientific meeting is published as the Transactions NAST PHL.
In 2021, the NAST published PAGTANAW 2050: The Philippine Science, Technology, and Innovation Foresight. it outlines a 30-year vision to guide the countryâÂÂs STI agenda toward inclusive growth, sustainability, and national competitiveness by 2050. Rooted in the archipelagic and maritime character of the Philippines, PAGTANAW 2050 synthesizes global megatrendsâÂÂsuch as climate change, pandemics, and digital transformationâÂÂwith national priorities drawn from the 1987 Constitution, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AmBisyon Natin 2040, and various Philippine development plans. Covering 12 key areas, including the Blue Economy, Governance, Education, and Space Exploration, the foresight identifies critical drivers of change and proposes long-term strategies that transcend political cycles. It serves as a unifying framework for policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to build a future-ready, innovation-driven nation.