ABSTRACT‐The values and value judgements of individual scientists, of the institution to which they belong and of society at large are heavily involved in political and administrative issues related to research. It would be desirable to devise a system that might reconcile the goals and values of the various components of society, rather than set them against each other in adversary stance. Assessment of the various benefits to society of a particular research activity would spell out the values of those involved, show how they differ, and could lead to a productive discussion of the differences. Scientists are in partnership with the public: the development and use of knowledge are their joint responsibility. Optimal allocation of research resources for the common good requires that scientists rise above personal and institutional self interest and take a broader perspective in promoting research in other than their own discipline; and that relevant information on external social merit and moral and ethical values should be sought from whoever can supply it, professional or layman; and that contradictory values must be accepted ‐ and examined scientifically ‐ as a fact of