Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt has warned the work of top scientists, including those who invented nano patch vaccines, is under threat because of "childish" political games.
The Abbott government has linked $150 million of budgeted science research cash to its controversial plan to deregulate universities.
There are 27 major research centres and 1700 scientists jobs in jeopardy, if money for the national collaborative research investment scheme is not forthcoming by mid-year.
Some could be shut down within a fortnight.
Labor and the Greens have accused the government of holding scientists hostage.
"The government is playing chicken with the country's future," Labor higher education spokesman Kim Carr said.
But Education Minister Christopher Pyne is unapologetic, saying it's on the heads of non-government senators if they reject the university reform bill for a second time.
Professor Schmidt and a brainwave of leading scientists have made an eleventh-hour plea for the government to come to its senses.
"What we're looking at is a calamity, everything we've built up over a decade (will be crushed)," the leading astronomer told reporters in Canberra.
"It's very childish and it's having a profound impact to something that is going to increase the productivity of the nation."
International scientists are shaking their heads with disbelief, Prof Schmidt said, warning of a potential brain drain with researchers expected to desert Australia in droves.
Professor Les Field, from the Australian Academy of Science, said research was about to hit a brick wall.
"It's a real disappointment to me that this is being used as a pawn in a political game," he said.
A marine observation system which improves weather forecasting, El Nino and La Nina predictions so farmers can make better decisions to maximise profits, is among facilities under threat.
Other examples included the nano fabrication facilities that invented patch vaccinations and the Australian Wine Research Institute research using sensors in barrels to improve wine making.
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