IMERA-PLUS

Implementing Metrology in the European Research Area -Plus

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The central nerve in the spine of our high-tech world is metrology, the science of measurement. Ever more precise and reliable measurements are essential in our daily lives, and to drive innovation within our knowledge based economy. What we cannot measure, we do not understand properly, and cannot control nor manufacture or process reliably. Thus advances in metrology have a profound impact on our understanding of and ability to shape the world around us. Building on the existing “iMERA” ERA-NET this action will implement the first chapter of a cohesive and strategic joint European Metrology Research Programme (the EMRP) for R&D in metrology. The programme brings together nationally funded metrology activities of the 19 participating countries, creating critical mass to enable Europe to respond to the growing demands for cutting edge metrology. Our proposal is a direct response to the “special case” for metrology identified by the EC in Annex IV of their 2007 “Cooperation” Work Programme. The action is launched by EURAMET e.V., a legal entity created for the purpose, which ensures that, in addition to the 19 participating countries, a further 11 European countries directly benefit from the activities. This action is for a single Call covering four priority topic areas from the EMRP. The Call encompasses a two-stage process. National filtering of topics ensures that only those ideas of appropriate quality and able to attract the necessary national resources are considered at the second stage, a competitive pan-European independently refereed evaluation resulting in a final list of collaborative R&D projects for at least 63 M€, with up to 33% funded by the EC and the remaining part funded by the participating national actions. The national resources to be put at the disposal of this ERA-NET Plus have already been committed, including a reserve in each country to give confidence that the selection of the best projects will not be compromised by lack of available resources.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Advances in the science of measurement, or 'metrology', have a profound impact on daily life, from quality and safety standards to citizens' well-being to stimulating industry. An EU-funded network has become a vital conduit for information and exchange among metrology institutes across Europe.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Working from the idea that what cannot be measured is generally not properly understood, the 'Implementing metrology in the European Research Area -Plus' (IMERA-PLUS) initiative based efforts on facilitating reliable measurement for successful policymaking and regulating everything from air safety to packaging. Metrology thus supports industry, drives innovation, and provides better tools for other scientific disciplines.

IMERA-PLUS is part of the wider European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP), which has brought together National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) of 19 participating countries. With a streamlined co-funding system and coordinated action, project partners have had the necessary critical mass to tackle important joint research projects (JRPs).

Around 21 JRPs and wider IMERA-PLUS activities have generated some 380 contributions to conferences and workshops. A further 400 or more papers and articles have been published in journals, conference proceedings and the press.

Guidelines and good practice briefings in metrology have been developed for use by industry, end users and stakeholders. IMERA-PLUS work has also been channelled through industry or sector-based 'user committees' as well as through standardisation efforts.

Output from the project has influenced the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), among others.

The IMERA-PLUS action was run by the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET), the Regional Metrology Organisation for Europe, in particular regarding relations among the NMIs. This valuable collaboration has underpinned fundamental research, supported policymaking, and paved the way for more effective and reliable measurements and processes within industry.