The Australian Academy of Sciences survey revealed just 59 per cent of respondents could name a year as one rotation of the sun, and 39 per cent know that 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is under water.

The survey results caused much despair from a gathering of Australia's chief scientists, which wrapped up in Hobart yesterday.

"It's very disappointing," South Australian chief scientist Don Bursill said.

"I don't understand how anybody can go through their daily lives without a far better understanding of science ... how can you drive a car safely and properly without having an idea what's going on behind the pedals and switches?"

Professor Bursill suggested the answer to our scientific illiteracy might be increased support for educators, saying "we don't value our science teachers enough, we're not investing enough in them".

He was joined by Tasmanian industrial microbiologist Professor Margaret Britz at a forum to discuss the value of science in society.

Professor Britz said while scientific literacy might be a challenge, there were many areas in which Tasmanian scientific research led the world.

"Tasmania has areas absolutely above the world standard - agricultural sciences, environmental sciences like plant and forestry, analytical chemistry."

Australian chief scientist Ian Chubb also gave a public lecture on the importance of science to Australia's social and economic future - something he would be pleased to know that 79 per cent of Australians largely agree with.

Tasmania does not have a chief scientist, but was represented by Antarctica Tasmania director Denzil Miller.