1003-A issued by President Ferdinand Marcos on December 17, 1976, created the National Academy of Sciences composed of outstanding scientists.

It is the President of the Philippines who makes the ultimate selection, which is based on "distinguished individual or collaborative achievement in science and technology.

The last conferment was held last 2011 to National Scientist Raul V. Fabella for his significant contributions in the field of Economics.

[5] Awardees are conferred the rank and title of "National Social Scientist", with an accompanying medallion and citation.

[7] As of August 2020, there have been five (5) men and three (3) women who have been designated as National Social Scientist in the roster where two (2) of them are currently living.