Abstract: An intake or exhaust valve for an internal combustion engine includes a valve member having a head and a stem extending from the head, the head of the valve member being capable of forming a seal with a valve seat of the internal combustion engine, an electromagnetic actuator for moving the valve member axially from a closed position wherein the head forms a seal with the valve seat and an open position wherein the head is spaced from the valve seat to permit flow between the head and the valve seat, and an actuator controller for selectively activating the electromagnetic actuator to control movement of the valve member. The intake or exhaust valve includes a dampener for limiting closing speed of the valve member.