Four of the nation's most-renowned scientists have spoken to The Australian Financial Review about their concerns for Australian science and our ability to compete as an innovation economy.

What Nobel prize winners Elizabeth Blackburn, Brian Schmidt, Peter Doherty and Barry Marshall had to say about innovation funding in a nation historically responsible for a range of world-beating scientific advancements was often scathing.

Each holds fears for Australia's global competitiveness. As stated by the AFR's Anne Hyland, "When it comes to investment in science, Australia is in reverse as other countries floor the accelerator."

Here's a selection of quotes from the Nobel laureates about Australia's investment in science and our economic future. For the full story, read: How ignoring science damns our economy at the AFR.