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.[2] It also recommends individuals to be conferred the Order of National Scientist upon approval of the President of the Philippines.[3]
History
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.[4] 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.
Mandates
The National Academy of Science and Technology is mandated:
To recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology as well as provide meaningful incentives to those engaged in scientific and technological researches
To advise the President and the Cabinet on matters related to science and technology
To engage in projects and programs designed to recognize outstanding achievements in science and to promote scientific productivity
To embark on programs traditionally and internationally expected of an academy of science
To manage, operate and maintain the Philippine Science Heritage Center
Recognition: As the highest government recognition body, it recognizes and supports works of different Filipino scientist that promotes advancement of science and encourages the youth to pursue science related careers.
Advisory: As an advisory body, it brings science closer to the people through awareness, promotes public participation on science issues and advises the government and non-government entities on science-related policies
Scientific Linkages: NAST communicates with other scientists inside and outside the country to promote collaboration and exchange of works, knowledge, and participation.
Management of the Philippine Science Heritage Center (PSHC): By virtue of Republic Act 9107, the NAST is mandated to manage the PSHC as a repository of all Philippine outstanding accomplishments in science and technology.
Organization and Membership
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.[4] 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:
Agricultural Sciences
Biological Sciences
Engineering Sciences and Technology
Health Sciences
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
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:[6]
Acd. Jaime C. Montoya, President andChair, Health Sciences Division
Acd. Alvin B. Culaba, Vice President and Chair, Engineering Sciences and Technology Division
Acd. Jose Maria P. Balmaceda, Secretary and Chair, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division
Acd. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., Chair, Agricultural Sciences Division
Acd. Windell L. Rivera, Chair, Biological Sciences Division
National Scientist Raul V. Fabella, Chair, Social Sciences Division
Acd. Arnel A. Salvador, Member
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.
All National Scientists are members of the NAST. As of August 2024, there are 11 living National Scientists.
Corresponding Members
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 to practice their field of expertise. Filipino citizenship and residency are waived as long as the three qualifications are met.[8]
The academy has conducted a scientific meeting every July since 1978.[4] It gathers scientists from all over the country to discuss relevant issues related to science and technology and thus it has earned the distinction of the most prestigious Philippine scientific conference.[9] 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.
46th Annual Scientific Meeting
The 2024 edition of the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) encapsulates the collective pursuit of sustainable agricultural food systems, diving deep into the interconnected domains of agriculture, health systems, and the environment. Building on the success of the previous scientific meetings, the discussion will revolve around great scientific innovations to transcend conventional food systems to a more holistic approach exploring out-of-the-box solutions along with modern technology and appropriate policies paving the way for an equitable, sustainable food future. The event will offer actionable insights into the many disruptions that have slowed the rate by which agriculture acts as the engine for economic development in the Philippines.[10]
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.
Publications
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 NAST Transactions.
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