The DOST is the premier science and technology governing agency in the country with the mandate of providing central direction, leadership, and coordination of scientific and technological activities; as well as formulating policies, programs, and projects to support national development.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

The Department of Science and Technology, through the Office of the Secretary (DOST-OSEC), supervises the Department, Attached Agencies, Councils and Institutes in the exercise of the mandate and discharge of their powers and functions; Advises the President on matters pertaining to science & technology; Establishes policies and standards for the operation of the Department pursuant to approved programs of the government; Promulgates rules and regulation necessary to carry out S&T objectives, policies, functions, plans, programs and projects; Chairs the S&T Governing Councils and the Philippine Science High School Board of Trustees.

 1.1 DEPARTMENT LEGISLATIVE LIAISON OFFICE

The Department Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO), is tasked to liaising with the Senate, House of Representatives and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office with regard to S&T-related bills and other policy matters. Specifically, DLLO is tasked to: (a) liaise with Senate and House of Representatives; (b) attend Committee hearings; (c) undertake researches on S&T legislation; (d) coordinate/attend inter-agency meetings; (e) attend Legislative Liaison System meetings; (f) draft and consolidate position papers of the Department on pending legislations affecting S&T; (g) draft and consolidate bills of the Department; and (h) shepherd and advocate bills of the Office of the President and the Department until its passage into law.

2. OFFICE OF THE UNDERSECRETARY FOR REGIONAL OPERATIONS

The Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations (OUSEC-RO) provides assistance to the Secretary in the following: a) Formulation and implementation of policies, plans, programs and projects relative to regional operations; b) Administrative / oversight supervision of Regional Offices; c) Coordination and monitoring of programs and projects of Senators / Congressmen in their respective districts / identified areas; d) Other functions that may be assigned from time to time or as it may be needed. The Regional Offices are under the supervision of the Secretary through the Undersecretary for Regional Operations. The Regional Directors report directly to the Undersecretary for Regional Operations.

   2.1 REGIONAL OFFICES
In accordance with the mandated functions specified in DOST A.O. 002 s. 1989 and in alignment with the department’s four MFOs, the mandated functions of the Regional Offices could be rationalized and restated as follows: a) Formulate and implement a regional S&T Plan consistent with the supportive of the regional and national S&T development thrusts; b) Plan and implement S&T services such as testing and calibration services, human resource development particularly at the high school and undergraduate levels, advocacy, and information dissemination; c) Assist technology based enterprises in the regions in improving their productivity and enhancing their competitiveness in both local and international markets through better products and/or quality service and standards and improved access to technologies and scientific and technical services; d) Monitor and coordinate programs and projects of DOST Councils, Institutes and other DOST attached agencies in the region; and e) Develop institutional linkages with other regional offices and agencies, local government units and private organizations or entities for the effective planning, delivery, and implementation of S&T programs in the region.

   2.2 PROVINCIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OFFICE
Section 3 of R.A. 6959 specified the functions of Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) as: a) Identify the needs and opportunities in Science and Techology (S&T) in the provinces; b) Implement DOST programs and projects on technology promotion and transfer, S&T human resource development, S&T promotion and information dissemination, delivery of technical and consultancy services, and such other areas of concern that will benefit the people in the provinces; c) Develop institutional linkages with provincial offices of other departments, local government units (LGUs), academe and nongovernmental offices for the effective implementation of S&T programs in the provinces; and d) Perform other functions as may be determined by the DOST Secretary and the Regional Director.

   2.3 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION UNIT
The Science and Technology Foundation Unit processes applications for accreditation of S&T foundations undertaking S&T activities for tax exemption purposes, facilitates requests of S&T foundations and non-government organizations for S&T information/technologies, and endorses to Department of Finance thru UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines the requests of the same for customs-duty and VAT exemption of imported equipment and apparatus procured by them and other government entities that are directly financing or assisting S&T activities. The Unit is currently under the supervision of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations pursuant to DOST Special Order No. 0322, s.2018.

3. OFFICE OF THE UNDERSECRETARY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development provides assistance to the DOST Secretary in the (a) supervision of the 7 DOST Research and Development Institutes, namely: 1) Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), 2) Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 3) Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), 4) Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), 5) Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), 6) Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), 7) Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). It also supervises the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI). (b) Review/Formulation of R&D policies and procedures; (c) expansion/initiation of agreements for S&T cooperation; (d) management of DOST R&D funds; (e) management of bilateral and multilateral linkages. It also supervises the Special Projects Division.

3.1 SPECIAL PROJECTS DIVISION
The Special Projects Division (SPD) provides technical and administrative support to DOST in the management of DOST-Grants-In-Aid (DOST-GIA) Program. It is tasked to generate project proposals from proponents from the public and private sectors, as well as evaluate and recommend action on these proposals to the Secretary. It is also responsible for the monitoring of the implementation of the approved programs and projects and for the conduct of impact assessment of completed programs and projects.

4. OFFICE OF THE UNDERSECRETARY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
The Office of the Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services provides assistance to the Secretary in the following: (a) Formulation and Implementation of policies, plans, programs and projects relative to science and technology and the monitoring and evaluation of their implementation; (b) HRD matters; (c) IT concerns; (d) Crafting and shepherding of bills; (e) Oversight supervision of National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), Philippine Science High School (PSHS), Science Education Institute (SEI) and Science and Technology Information Institute (STII); (f) Other functions that may be assigned from time to time or as it may be needed.

   4.1 PLANNING AND EVALUATION SERVICE
Section 11(a) of Executive Order No. 128 provides: “Planning and Evaluation Service, which shall be responsible for providing the Authority with efficient and effective services relating to planning, programs and project monitoring and development.” The Planning and Evaluation Service (PES) is headed by a Director and supervises the three (3) divisions namely: Policy Development and Planning Division (PDPD), Program Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD), and S&T Resource Assessment and Evaluation Division (STRAED).

   4.1.1 POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING DIVISION
The Policy Development and Planning Division, headed by a Planning Officer V, has the following functions: (a) formulates science, technology and innovation (STI) plans based on the country’s overall development vision; (b) undertakes continuing review of policies to ensure their conformity with national development plans, consistent with scientific requirements, relevance and desirability in the light of changing situations; (c) identifies and analyzes STI policy issues and directs research studies to formulate appropriate policy alternatives and recommendations; (d) provides information, recommendations and guidance on STI policy issues; and (e) plans the continuous improvement of the STI policy formulation framework and provides overall direction in the implementation and/or utilization of policy-oriented research studies.

   4.1.2 PROGRAM COORDINATION AND MONITORING DIVISION
The Program Coordination and Monitoring Division, headed by a Project Development Officer V, has the following functions: (a) monitor and evaluate performance of DOST agencies based on developed and identified major final outputs (MFO) and performance indicators; (b) evaluate and endorse project proposals to National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for foreign assistance; (c) provide technical support to the analysis and preparation of the DOST-Wide budgetary proposal; (d) prepare DOST performance report and other pertinent DOST reports required by national authorities (e.g. OP-PMS, NEDA, Congress, Senate, DBM, DSWD, DOLE, TESDA, NAPC, etc.); and (e) coordinate the preparation/validation of the Public Investment Program
(PIP).

   4.1.3 S&T RESOURCE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION DIVISION
The S&T Resource Assessment and Evaluation Division, headed by Planning Officer V, has the following functions: (a) develop the S&T and R&D Statistical System and generate basic data as basis for policy decisions and measures; (b) formulate the framework for S&T statistics and indicators and generates S&T indicators based on framework; (c) implement the periodic nationwide survey (every 2 years) of R&D expenditures and human resources as basis for white papers released by government on science and technology; (d) disseminates S&T/R&D statistics and indicators to S&T planners, policy makers and other stakeholders; (e) coordinate with local and foreign statistical bodies concerned with S&T statistics; and (f) update S&T and R&D statistics for Philippine Yearbook, World/Global Competitiveness Report, UNESCO Institute for Statistics and ASEAN S&T Indicators.

   4.1.4 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
The Information Technology Division is tasked to: (a) administer, maintain and enhance existing network infrastructure, application systems, websites and other programs that serve as tools in the provision of information necessary for decision-making; (b) implement proper security measures to ensure the efficient operation of the available information-technology facilities; and, (c) formulate framework for the management information services, including but not limited to the DOST-CO Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP). Pursuant to DOST Special Order No. 006 s. 2017, the Division is currently under the supervision of the Planning and Evaluation Service.

5. OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR FINANCE
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial assists the Secretary in providing with staff advice and assistance to financial matters; performs other functions that may be assigned from time to time or as it may be needed.

   5.1 FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Section 11(b) of Executive Order No. 128 provides: “Financial and Management Service, which shall be responsible for providing the Authority with efficient and effective staff advice and assistance on budgetary, financial, and management improvement matters.” The Financial and Management Service (FMS) is headed by a Director and supervises the three (3) divisions namely: Accounting Division, Budget Division, and Management Division.

   5.1.1 BUDGET DIVISION
The Budget Division provides the following functions: (a) prepare Department’s budget estimates for all the projects, activities and operations together with all the corresponding budget documents and justifications; (b) assist management in the presentation of the Department’s budgetary estimates before administrative and legislative bodies; (c) review and analyze budget estimates and/or program of expenditures of all the agencies under supervision and control including under administrative supervision of the DOST; (d) render advisory/consultative service and/or assistance regarding budgetary matters to all staff services/units of the DOST as well as to all agencies under the Department; and (e) supervise allocation and distribution of available funds on the basis of approved programs, projects, criteria and operating guidelines.

   5.1.2 ACCOUNTING DIVISION
The Accounting Division provides the following functions: (a) advises management on financial matters; prepares and submits financial reports to management and other government agencies authorized to receive such reports; and (b) maintains basic subsidiary accounting records and book of accounts to reflect accurate and current financial information required by existing auditing rules and regulations and by management.

6. OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration assists the Secretary in providing with staff advice and assistance on matters pertaining to administrative and legal matters; performs other functions that may be assigned from time to time or as it may be needed.

   6.1 ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL SERVICE
Section 11(c) of Executive Order No. 128 provides: “Administrative and Legal Service, which shall be responsible for providing the Authority with efficient and effective services relating to personnel, information, records, supplies, equipment, collection, disbursement, security and custodial work, and all legal matters.” The Administrative and Legal Service (ALS) is headed by a Director and supervises the three (3) divisions namely: Personnel Division, General Services Division, and Legal Division.

   6.1.1 GENERAL SERVICES DIVISION
The General Services Division (GSD), provides the following functions: (a)provides maintenance services of DOST main building and facilities; (b) provides services related to procurement and property management in accordance with government prescribed rules and regulations; (c)provides maintenance of records and communication services and other relevant utility maintenance services for the Department.

   6.1.2 LEGAL DIVISION
The Legal Division provides the following functions: (a) provides legal advice and opinions to the Department Secretary & other officials and units of the DOST; (b) interprets laws, rules and regulations affecting the Department; (c) reviews contracts involving the Department; (d) conducts legal research; and (e) conducts administrative investigation and reviews appealed decisions.

7. OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

   7.1 INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION UNIT
The International Technology Cooperation Unit (ITCU) primarily promotes and strengthens the DOST’s representation in the local and international arena on matters relating to foreign technical cooperation. It coordinates, monitors and provides support for the implementation of bilateral, regional and multilateral S&T cooperation in the pursuit of national development priorities and programs.

8. OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND AND SPECIAL CONCERNS
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resource Management, Management Services and Special Concerns (HRMMSSC) assists the Secretary in providing with staff advice and assistance on matters pertaining to enhancing the competencies of the Department's workforce, improving systems and procedures towards achieving high organizational performance and other concerns that may be directed by the Secretary.

  8.1 MANAGEMENT DIVISION
The Management Division, provides the following functions: (a) develops plan & program objectives relative to management improvement of the department; (b) examines the administrative organization of the department & formulates recommendations for improvement; (c) undertakes regular management program of organizational structure manpower & operations; (d) studies special problems as assigned; (e) Reviews existing methods, procedures and systems and makes recommendations for improvement.

  8.2 PERSONNEL DIVISION
The Personnel Division provides the following functions: advises the management on personnel policies and standards relative to: (a) recruitment / selection / promotion; (b) training and development; (c) performance evaluation; (d) compensation and leave administration; (e) personnel maintenance/discipline, (f) separation or retirement, and (g) other personnel related actions/matters.

  8.3 GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL SUPPORT SERVICE
Gender and Development and Regional Support Service (GRSS) is responsible for providing the Department with efficient and effective service relating to achieving performance excellence by various DOST System regional offices and entities to mainstreaming of gender in DOST policies, systems and processes, and to enhancing linkages with lawmakers to ensure that results of S&T efforts are utilized and accessed by the people.

9. INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICE
On 30 September 2008, through the DOST Rationalization Plan, the Internal Audit Service (IAS) was created to evaluate DOST agencies' and offices' management controls and operations performance and determine their extent of compliance with laws, regulations and managerial policies, accountability measures, ethical standards, and contractual obligations. This is pursuant to the Administrative Code of 1987, as amended, and as adopted in DBM CL No. 2008-5, s. 2008. IAS is also mandated to conduct an appraisal of organizational plans along with all coordinated methods and measures to recommend courses of action to the DOST Secretary, covering operations and management controls in the DOST System. The Internal Audit Service (IAS) is headed by a Director and supervises two (2) divisions, namely: Management Audit Division (MAuD) and Operations Audit Division (OpAD).

   9.1 MANAGEMENT AUDIT DIVISION (MAuD)
The Management Audit Division (MAuD) is responsible for conducting compliance and management audits in the DOST System. MAuD provides the following functions consistent with OP AO No. 278, s. 1992, DBM CL No. 2008-5 and DBM BC No. 2004-4: (a) conduct management audit of activities and its units and determine the degree of compliance with the mandate, policies, government regulations, established objectives, systems, and procedures/processes and contractual obligations; (b) review and appraise systems and procedures/processes, organizational structure, assets management practices, financial and management records, reports and performance standards of the agencies/units covered; (c) verifies and analyze financial and management data to ascertain if attendant management information systems generate data or reports that are complete, accurate and valid; (d) ascertain the reliability and integrity of financial and management information and the means used to identify, measure, classify and report such information; (e) ascertain the extent to which the assets and other resources of the institutions are accounted for and safeguarded fromlosses of all kinds; (f) review and evaluate the soundness, adequacy and application of accounting, financial and management controls and promote the most effective control at reasonable cost; (g) evaluate the quality of performance of groups/individuals in carrying out their assigned responsibilities; (h) perform functions of a protective nature, such as prevention and detection of fraud or dishonesty; review of cases involving misuse of agency property; and checking of transactions with outsideparties; and (i) perform miscellaneous services, including special investigations and assistance to outside contacts subject to authority from the Department Secretary.

   9.2 OPERATIONS AUDIT DIVISION (OpAD)
The Operations Audit Division (OpAD) is responsible for conducting compliance and operations audits in the Department and its attached agencies. OpAD provides the following functions consistent with OP AO No. 278, s. 1992, DBM CL No. 2008-5 and DBM BC No. 2004-4: (a) conduct operations performance audit of activities of the department and determine the degree of compliance with the mandate, policies, government regulations, established objectives, systems, and procedures/processes and contractual obligations; (b) review and appraise systems and procedures/processes, organizational structure, operations practices, operations records, reports and performance standards of the agencies/units covered; (c) evaluate the outcome, output, process and input to determine whether government operations, programs, and projects are effective, efficient, ethical and economical (4Es); (d) review operations or programs to ascertain whether or not results are consistent with established objectives and goals and whether or not such programs are being carried out as planned; (e) evaluate the quality of performance of groups/individuals in carrying out their assigned responsibilities; (f) recommend courses of action on operational deficiencies observed; (g) perform functions of a protective nature, such as prevention and detection of fraud or dishonesty; review of cases involving misuse of agency property; and checking of transactions with outside parties; and (h) perform miscellaneous services, including special investigations and assistance to outside contacts subject to authority from the Department Secretary.

DOST is headed by a Secretary who exercises authority and responsibility for the mandate and for supervision and control of the Department.  The Secretary is assisted by three (3) Undersecretaries and four (4) Assistant Secretaries.

The Department has five (5) Staff Services, namely:

1. Administration and Legal Service
2. Planning and Evaluation Service
3. Financial Management Service
4. Internal Audit Service and the
5. Gender and Development and Regional Support Service

The Department has eighteen (18) attached agencies.  Grouped into sectors with their functions, these are as follows:

Sectoral Planning Councils

DOST has three (3) councils responsible for formulating policies, plans, programs, projects and strategies for S&T development; programming and allocating funds; monitoring of research and development projects; and generating external funds:

1. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)
2. Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD)
3. Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD)

Research and Development Institutes

DOST has seven (7) research and development institutes concerned with basic and applied researches on various fields.

• Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)
• Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)
• Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI)
• Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)
• Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC)
• Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)
• Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI)

Scientific and Technological Services

The six (6) agencies rendering science and technology-related services are:

• Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
• Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
• Philippine Science High School (PSHSS)
• Science and Technology Information Institute (STII)
• Science Education Institute (SEI)
• Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI)

Collegial and Scientific Bodies

Two (2) bodies pursue mandated functions of assistance, recognition, advisory and establishment of international linkages.  These are:

• National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
• National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP)

Regional Offices and S&T Provincial Centers

The DOST has sixteen (16) Regional Offices (ROs).  Each Regional Office is headed by a Regional Director who is under the supervision of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations.  It implements laws, rules, regulations, policies, plans, programs and projects of the Department; provides efficient S&T services to the people in the regions; and coordinates with other government agencies and local government units on S&T matters.

The DOST also has eighty (80) Provincial S&T Centers (PSTCs) manned by PSTC Officers.

The eighteen (18) attached agencies, grouped into sectors with their mandates are as follows:

 A. Sectoral Planning Councils (3)

1. Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) – responsible for formulating strategies, policies, plans, programs and projects for advanced S&T, industry and energy sector. It develops and implements programs for the optimal utilization, transfer, and commercialization of technologies and other research outputs.
2. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) – Formulate policies, plans, programs, projects, and strategies for Science and Technology (S&T) development in the agriculture, forestry, aquatic and natural resources sectors; Program and allocate government and external funds generated for R&D efforts in the agriculture, forestry, marine and natural resources sectors; Monitor R&D projects; and Generate external funds for its R&D activities.
3. Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) – leads, directs and coordinates S & T activities in the health sciences so as to improve the health and nutritional status of every Filipino.

 B. Research and Development Institutes (7)

4. Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) – conducts scientific research and development in the advanced fields of studies such as Microelectronics and Information Technology.
5. Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) – conducts research defining the citizenry’s nutritional status, with reference particularly to the malnutrition problem, its causes and effects, and identifies alternative solutions; develops and recommends policy options, strategies, programs and projects, which address the malnutrition problem for implementation by the appropriate agencies; and disseminates research findings and recommendations to the relevant end-users.
6. Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) – conducts applied Research and Development (R & D) on wood and non-wood forest products to generate information and technology which can improve the utility value of wood and other forest products; transfers technologies; and, provides technical services and training.
7. Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) – undertakes applied research to develop technologies and technological innovations in the fields of industrial manufacturing, mineral processing and energy; undertakes the transfer of research results directly to end-users or preferably via linkage units of other government agencies; undertakes technical services such as, but not limited to, standards, analytical and calibrations services mandated by law or as needed by the industry; conducts training and provides technical advisory and consultancy services to industry clientele and end-users.
8. Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) – provides both government and private sectors in the metals and engineering industry with professional management and technical expertise on training of engineers and technicians, information exchange, trade accreditation services, quality control and testing of metal products, research and development and business economics advisory services.
9. Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) – conducts research and development on the application of radioisotopes and nuclear energy; undertakes transfer of research results to end-users; operates and maintains nuclear research reactors and other radiation facilities; licenses and regulates nuclear and radioactive substances.
10. Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) – conducts applied research and development of the textile industry; undertakes the transfer of completed researches to end-users of via linkage units of other government agencies; and undertakes technical services and provides training services.

C. Scientific and Technological Services (6)

11. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – provides protection against natural calamities and utilizes scientific knowledge as an effective instrument to ensure the safety, well-being and economic security of all the peoples.
12. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) – predicts the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes and their geotectonic phenomena; determines how eruptions and earthquakes occur and the areas likely to be affected; exploits the positive aspects of volcanoes and volcanic terrain in furtherance of the socio-economic development efforts of the government; generates sufficient data for forecasting of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes; formulates appropriate disaster preparedness plans; and mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection, forecast and warning systems.
13. Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) – establishes and develops science and technology databank and library, disseminates science and technology information, and undertakes trainings on information of science and technology.
14. Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) – serves as the implementing arm of the DOST in promoting the commercialization of technologies and in marketing the services of the other operating units of the Department.
15. Philippine Science High School (PSHS) – offers on a free scholarship basis a secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences with the end in view of preparing its students for a science career.
16. Science Education Institute (SEI) – accomplishes the task of administering scholarships, awards and grants in Science & Technology (S & T), and formulating plans for the promotion, development and improvement of S & T education and training in order to develop a critical mass of highly trained S & T manpower.

D. Collegial and Scientific Bodies (2)

17. National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) – provides meaningful incentives to those engaged in scientific and technological research, as well as gives recognition to outstanding achievements in technology and the sciences; advises the President, Cabinet and Congress on matters related to S & T; and embarks on programs traditionally and internationally expected of a national academy of science.
18. National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) – promotes and supports fundamental or basic research for the continuing improvement of the research capability of individual or group scientists; fosters linkages with local and international scientific organizations for enhanced cooperation in the development and sharing of scientific information; provides advice on problems and issues of national interest; and promotes scientific and technological culture to all sectors of society.