The Palestine Academy for Science and Technology (PALAST) is an independent, not-for-profit organization established by a presidential decree No. 114 in 1997 and reconfirmed by the presidential decree No. 13 in 2004. The Basic Bylaw of the Palestinian Academy for Sciences and Technology was translated in 26/1/2005 with a certificate number 294/2005 by the Ministry of Justice.The Academy is mandated as an advisory institute to governmental, parliament and other institutions in issues related to formulating policies, programs in Science and technology and innovation (STI). It constitutes both a focal point and an umbrella in STI.

The Academy aims at institutionalizing scientific and technological research in Palestine, promoting scientific discovery and innovative technological advances, in addition to fostering the use of science and technology in various domains. Furthermore, it aspires to obtain a fundamental role in coordinating scientific efforts between the private and the public sectors.