The Government's being urged to be realistic, with its major rework of the science sector

Departing Science Minister Judith Collins revealed yesterday the seven research crown institutes will merge into three public research organisations.

Another public research group is also being created - to focus on advanced technology.

Director of The MacDiarmid Institute Professor Nicola Gaston says the changes come, during a tough time for the sector.

She says they're coming off a decade of attrition in New Zealand science funding and there hasn't been any corrections for inflation.