National Academy of Science and Technology

The National Academy of Science and Technology (abbreviated as NAST) 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]

National Academy of Science and Technology
Formation1976
TypeGovernment Advisory Body
Headquarters3/F Science Heritage Center Bldg., DOST Complex, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City
Location
Official language
English
President
Acd. Rhodora Azanza
Executive Director
Luningning E. Samarita
Budget
₱105.59 million (2020)[1]
Websitehttp://www.nast.ph/

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:

  1. To recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology as well as provide meaningful incentives to those engaged in scientific and technological researches
  2. To advise the President and the Cabinet on matters related to science and technology
  3. To engage in projects and programs designed to recognize outstanding achievements in science and to promote scientific productivity
  4. To embark on programs traditionally and internationally expected of an academy of science
  5. To manage, operate and maintain the Philippine Science Heritage Center

Functions

The Academy's function is divided into three components namely, advisory, recognition and scientific Linkages.[5]

  • Recognition: As a 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 scientist inside and outside the country to promote collaboration and exchange of works, knowledge and participation.

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 following divisions are:

  1. Agricultural Sciences
  2. Biological Sciences
  3. Engineering Sciences and Technology
  4. Health Sciences
  5. Mathematical and Physical Sciences
  6. Social Sciences

From each division of the academy, a chair is elected to form the Executive Council. A president, vice-president and secretary is elected from the Executive Council. The secretariat of NAST is headed by an executive director which implements the decisions of the Executive Council, and attends to the day-to-day affairs of the Academy. Since 2012, the NAST Executive Council is composed of:[4]

  • Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza, President and Chair, Biological Sciences
  • Acd. Fabian M. Dayrit, Vice-President and Chair, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
  • Acd. Jaime C. Montoya, Secretary and Chair, Health Sciences
  • NS Raul V. Fabella, Chair, Social Sciences
  • Acd. Eufemio T. Rasco, Chair, Agricultural Sciences
  • Acd. Reynaldo B. Vea, Chair, Engineering Sciences and Technology
  • Acd. Aura C. Matias, Member-at-Large, Engineering Sciences and Technology
  • Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director IV

Academicians
Main article: List of Academicians of the Philippines

Members of the NAST are called academicians. As of 2020, there are 72 living academicians.[4]

National Scientist
Main article: National Scientist of the Philippines

All National Scientist are members of the NAST. As of 2020, there are 12 living national scientists.

Corresponding Members
Year Elected Name Field of Specialization
2003 Jose B. Cruz, Ph.D. Electrical Engineering
Amador C. Muriel, Ph.D. Physics
Eduardo A. Padlan, Ph.D. Biophysics
2004 Baldomero M. Olivera, Ph.D. Biochemistry
2006 Reynaldo L. Villareal, Ph.D. Plant Breeding/Plant Pathology
2007 Liwayway M. Engle, Ph.D. Genetics
2009 Manuel M. Garcia, Ph.D. Microbiology
2010 Kelvin S. Rodolfo, Ph.D. Marine Geology
2011 Eduardo R. Mendoza, Ph.D. Mathematics
2012 Alfonso H. Albano, Ph.D. Physics
2016 Josefino Comiso, Ph.D. Physics
Joel Cuello, Ph.D. Engineering
2018 Rigoberto Advincula, Ph.D. Physics
2019 Michael Purugganan, Ph.D. Biology
Romel Gomez, Ph.D. Engineering

Honorary Member
Year Elected Name Field of Specialization
2000 Norman E. Borlaug, Ph.D.
1970 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate		 Agronomy/Plant Breeding

Annual Scientific Meeting

The academy conducts a scientific meeting every July since 1978.[4] It gathers scientist from all over the country to discuss relevant issues related to science and technology and thus earning the distinction of the most prestigious Philippine scientific conference.[6] 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.

36th Annual Scientific Meeting

The 2014 Edition of the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) focuses on three pillars of competitiveness as defined by the World Economic Forum (WEF), namely, infrastructure, information, and innovation with emphasis on the policy and governance aspects in energy, water, telecommunications, and transportation.[7][8] Former Department of Trade and Industry Secretray Cesar B. Bautista gave the keynote address.

List of Annual Scientific Meetings
Year [9] Edition Theme
2014 36th Annual Scientific Meeting [8] Infrastructure, Information, and Innovation (I3) for National Development, Competitiveness, and Resiliency
2013 35th Annual Scientific Meeting Harnessing Science and Technology: Reversing the Decline of the Manufacturing Sector in the Philippines
2012 34th Annual Scientific Meeting Philippine Water 2050
2011 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting Meeting the Challenges of Agricultural Productivity
2010 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting MDGs & Beyond Are We Making Progress
2009 31st Annual Scientific Meeting Active Aging Preparing for Quality Life
2008 30th Annual Scientific Meeting Energy Security & Sustainability Assessing the Present & Foreseeing the Future
2007 29th Annual Scientific Meeting A Progressive Philippines Anchored on Science Building a Culture of Science in the Philippines
2006 28th Annual Scientific Meeting The Century of Biology
2005 27th Annual Scientific Meeting Philippine Agriculture 2020
2004 26th Annual Scientific Meeting On Being & Becoming Where We Are & Where We Want To Be
2003 25th Annual Scientific Meeting Addressing the Demographic Crisis in the Philippines
2002 24th Annual Scientific Meeting Enhancing Philippine Science and Technology Thru ICT
2001 23rd Annual Scientific Meeting Science is the 21st Century
2000 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting Challenges in the New Millennium for Science and Technology
1999 21st Annual Scientific Meeting Food, Population and Environment
1998 20th Annual Scientific Meeting 4th National Social Science Congress
1997 19th Annual Scientific Meeting Science for Better Health
1996 18th Annual Scientific Meeting S&T for a more Dynamic Mindanao
1995 17th Annual Scientific Meeting Ethics and Politics of Public Service
1994 16th Annual Scientific Meeting Vision for Philippines 2000
1993 15th Annual Scientific Meeting The Filipino: Issues and Processes in Social Transformation
1992 14th Annual Scientific Meeting Coping with Natural Disasters
1991 13th Annual Scientific Meeting Managing Ecosystems for Long:Term Human Survival
1990 12th Annual Scientific Meeting
1989 11th Annual Scientific Meeting
1988 10th Annual Scientific Meeting
1987 9th Annual Scientific Meeting
1986 8th Annual Scientific Meeting Organization and Development of the Sciences and the Scientific Community
1985 6th Annual Scientific Meeting
1981 3rd Annual Scientific Meeting

Awards
Main article: National Academy of Science and Technology Awards

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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References
  1. Aika Rey (8 January 2020). "Where will the money go?". Rappler. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  2. Rabago, Lilia; Intong, Mona Lisa; Ferrer, Diana; Joaquin, Cresencia (1989). Science and Technology 1: General Science. Quezon City: Vibal Publishing House, Inc. p. 15. ISBN 971-07-0860-0.
  3. Sabillo, Kristine Angeli. "Who are the 4 new National Scientists of PH?". Inquirer.net. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  4. "NAST 2013 35th Scientific Meeting Conference Proceedings" (PDF). October 2013. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. "Functions of the National Academy of Science and Technology". National Academy of Science and Technology. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  6. Padolina, William (2013). "Message of the NAST President" (PDF). NAST 2013 35th Scientific Meeting Conference Proceedings.
  7. "Former Trade Secretary Bautista Keynotes NAST PHL 36th Annual Scientific Meeting". National Academy of Science and Technology. July 30, 2014. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  8. "36th Annual Scientific Meeting". July 30, 2014. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  9. "Annual Scientific Meetings". January 7, 2014. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
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