JOHN Brumby's pet project, the $200 million Australian Synchrotron, could be shut down next year after the Baillieu government failed to commit to ongoing funding of the research facility at the centre of Melbourne's thriving scientific community.

The Sunday Age understands the synchrotron's board has made contingency plans for its closure, with funds due to run out in June next year - just five years after it opened.

Last week's state budget gave no extra funds to the facility, which supports the work of 2500 scientists, has 120 highly skilled staff and is producing scientific discoveries of world importance.

''There's a great sense of unease in the community,'' said one synchrotron scientist. ''People are just holding their heads in their hands.''

Innovation Minister Louise Asher, who for years criticised the former Labor government over the synchrotron's delays and cost blowouts, has now refused to guarantee its future.