The peak science agency's deputy chief, Craig Roy, also confirmed CSIRO is pushing ahead with plans to develop a world-class science precinct in Acton that will attract global investment in research.

''We are expecting to increase our investment in science,'' Mr Roy said.

The budget has imposed a $23 million efficiency dividend on CSIRO's administrative costs, that could result in the loss of 116 jobs.

Mr Roy said the figure was ''a result of anticipated movement in government bond rates'' and was linked to leave and other employee entitlements.

The federal budget delivers a modest $11.9 million increase in the agency's appropriation, and includes $6.5 million for CSIRO to continue to deliver a science and maths program for schools.

A further $29.8 million has been allocated for a new Manufacturing Technology Innovation Centre that will draw on CSIRO's expertise.

Mr Roy spoke with CSIRO Staff Association secretary Sam Popovski yesterday morning to discuss potential implications of the budget, including job cuts.

The CSIRO was not planning to close regional research sites and was optimistic that projected job cuts could be met largely by natural attrition. However, there would be some redundancies as a result of shifts in research priorities, Mr Roy said.

Dr Popovski has urged the federal government to do more to support science careers, warning that stagnant science funding that fails to keep pace with inflation is ''chipping away'' at Australia's global reputation as a science leader.

''The real problem here is scientists feel … their jobs are always under threat for no real reason,'' he said.