AbstractAfter German unification, the research system in East Germany was restructured along the lines of the West German model of organisation. The intention was to achieve comparable levels of productivity. Although the actual transfer of institutions has progressed quite well, it has not led to a fully integrated German science system. Extensive staff cuts in the East German research institutions are still continuing, and have rendered ineffective measures aimed at maintaining staff and integrating old personnel into the new structures. After the transformation of East German science, its integration still remains a major task.