03/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - The Scientific Council of the European Research Council adopted during a meeting in Vienna on 27-28 April its strategy for the start of operations, as part of the 7th Research and Development Framework Programme, for which it is the main innovator. On the basis of a bottom-up approach, the European Research Council will select during the 2007-13 period, exploratory research activities funded by the framework programme. On average, it is expected to have around € 1 billion a year (300 million in 2007 and gradually more up to 1.7 billion). The Scientific Council chaired by Professor Fotis C. Kafatos also launched the recruitment process for a Secretary General. Candidates can send applications into the President until 31 May. Other information is contained on the internet web site: (http: //europa.eu.int/erc/ndex_en.cfm).