Dr. Franz Conen

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Franz Conen is a research associate in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel. His research interests encompass the life cycle changes and the chemical and physical properties of Earth, focusing on the interactions between land and atmosphere. He investigates the exchange of microorganisms between land and the atmosphere, how these microorganisms can influence meteorological phenomena, and the implications for economically relevant plant pathogens. His past work has included studies on soil organic matter and greenhouse gases, which contribute to understanding radon tracers and atmospheric motions. Additionally, he has examined the roles of lofted leaf surfaces in transporting microorganisms that can catalyze the freezing of supercooled clouds, thereby triggering precipitation events.

Research Interests

Experience

Research Fellow

2003-10-01 — Present

Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel • Basel, Switzerland

Research Fellow

2000-03-01 — 2003-09-01

School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh • UK

Darwin Fellowship

Research Associate

1996-10-01 — 2000-02-01

University of Edinburgh, Division Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Resource Management • UK

United Nations Volunteer Specialist

1995-03-01 — 1996-09-01

UNDP • Kazalinsk, Kazakhstan

Consultant

1992-11-01 — 1993-09-01

DG Agroprogress International • Bonn, Germany; Brest, Belorussia

Requirements for University of Basel

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:95
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least 180 ECTS Specific ECTS requirements in core subjects (e.g., 90 ECTS in Math/CS for Data Science)
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree certificate or current transcript of records
  • Diploma Supplement (if available)
  • CV/Resume
  • Copy of valid passport or ID card
  • Evidence of language proficiency (C1 level recommended for English/German programs)
  • Proof of payment of application fee (CHF 100)
Specialization Notes

The University of Basel generally requires C1 level proficiency in the language of instruction. For most English-taught Masters, TOEFL (min 92-95) or IELTS (min 7.0) is the standard.