The first phase of the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) was known as iMERA-Plus, implementing Metrology in the European Research Area, and was launched in 2007. It was one of the first of a new type of medium-sized actions launched under FP7 (ERA-NET Plus), which aimed at aligning and enhancing national programmes.

Resources from the publicly funded metrology laboratories from 19 European countries, plus the European Commission's measurement institute (IRMM) were committed within a single joint call for metrology research projects.

In total, 64.6 M€ of resources were brought together, with the European Commission providing 21 M€ of funding, the balance provided from national resources. The two-step call ran between May and December 2007, and pivoted on independent peer review and selection of the very best metrology research proposals.

A total of 21 collaborative projects were launched in four targeted programmes, each project chosen for the quality of science and potential to make a significant contribution in its field. The successful JRPs were launched between February and July 2008 and ran for three years.

The 21 iMERA-Plus projects produced a wide range of significant impacts in metrology, industry and other fields of research, as well as contributing to the redefintion of a number of SI units.

Following completion of the projects, EURAMET displayed a series of posters at the International Congress of Metrology 2011. The posters highlighted the need for funding, the technical achievements and the impacts of each of the 21 projects.