Prime Minister is the Chancellor of the Academy. Chancellor chairs the Academic Assembly, the highest body of NAST. The Academic Assembly normally meets twice a year setting policy guidelines for the Academy and approving the annual program and budget. The Minister for Science and Technology is an ex-officio Pro-chancellor. Other members of the Assembly include the Academicians of NAST, Vice Chairman of National Planning Commission, Vice Chancellors among the universities, three representatives of the S&T professional societies and two staff members of the Academy. The Vice Chancellor, appointed by the Chancellor in recommendation of a special committee, is the Chief Executive, who heads a management council, composed of up to five Members of the Academic Assembly and a Member Secretary. NAST's programs are conceived and executed by the Faculties and the Divisions led by senior staff of the Academy.