18/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - The 22 members of the European Research Council (ERC) Scientific Council met for the fifth time in Helsinki on 3 and 4 July in the context of preparatory work allowing the ERC to make a swift start once the 7th framework programme on research begins in 2007. The Scientific Council has approved a strategy note concerning ERC Starting Grants that will be the subject of the first call for proposals. The note describes the conditions for eligibility for these subsidies that aim to support the training of new independent research teams for carrying out original projects. Annual financing (between €100,000 and €400,000) may be allocated for a period of up to five years. The Scientific Council suggests allocating around one third of its annual budget to this project, which would benefit around 200 recipients per year. The next meeting will be held on 5 and 6 October in London.