Science Europe advocates using the notion of ‘value’ of research. This is wider than ‘impact’ and reflects the intrinsic value of scientific research and its capacity to generate new knowledge. There are countless ways in which research brings its immense value to society. Some of this value is indirect or intangible and cannot easily be measured by strictly defined impact assessment criteria. Other parts of it are long-term or unpredictable and may not yet be visible at the time that the research is evaluated. This statement provides a series of key principles and actions for policy makers and research organisations to help bring forward a new vision of impact assessment