Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says he recognises the need to develop a sustainable and strategic long-term plan for supporting research in Australia, accusing the federal government of failing to make science a priority.

Some of Australia's leading scientists have criticised successive governments for failing to develop a cohesive policy for funding science.

ALP leader Bill Shorten. Credit:Andrew Meares

Nobel prize-winning astrophysicist Brian Schmidt, of the Australian National University, said too often research in Australia was resourced through a series of short-term grants and policies which did not allow institutions to plan ahead.

Immunologist Ian Frazer, who was named Australian of the Year in 2006 for the development of the human papillomavirus vaccine, called on Australia to identify key areas where it could excel, rather than resourcing ''cottage industry'' research.