Australian scientists have investigated the Hendra virus, patented huge royalty earners like WiFi and the plastic bank note.
Now they fear the federal budget will contain cuts that have the potential to threaten the nation's global edge in research and industry innovation.
The problem with science is it's expensive.
It takes much longer than a budget cycle to develop, and "picking winners" isn't always possible.
Science and Technology Australia is especially concerned about three areas - the CSIRO, the national collaborative research infrastructure scheme, and a future fellowships program for young and mid-career researchers.
Australia faces a research funding cliff if those two programs end and vital infrastructure - such as telescopes, supercomputers, research boats, biosecurity stores - are mothballed, it warns.
Then there is the rumoured $150 million cut to the CSIRO budget, on top of recent job cuts.
This could involve major cuts to projects rather than just trimming costs, STA chief executive Catriona Jackson fears.
"Would you like them not to have developed Relenza, the best broad spectrum flu drug there is in the world?" she said.
Science comes under Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane's portfolio, after the government abolished a specific ministry last year.
While the minister won't comment specifically on Tuesday's budget, he insists science is vital for Australia's future and the CSIRO is "unquestionably" tied to industry innovation and knowledge.
"But it is a time for prudence and we need to spend it on the highest priorities," Mr Macfarlane said.
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