Optics giant Zeiss has elevated two employees to the highest level on its technical ladder. Dr. Michael Kempe and Dr. Michael Totzeck of Zeiss’ corporate research and technology division, are now two of three fellows within the company. Kempe, head of the technology area, has been working at Zeiss since 1999. He has been designated a fellow on the basis of his scientific knowledge in the area of microscope development and biomedical optics. Zeiss CEO Dr. Michael Kaschke called Kempe “one of the key players in shaping high-resolution microscopy at Zeiss.” Dr. Michael Totzeck, left, and Dr. Michael Kempe are now fellows at Zeiss. Courtesy of Zeiss. Totzeck, head of industrial and consumer innovations, started his career at Zeiss in 2002. He has been designated a fellow primarily due to his expertise in imaging, lithography and optical metrology. Winfried Kaiser, head of product strategy in the semiconductor manufacturing technology business group, was named a fellow in 2007. Designation to one of the five levels of the technical ladder is based on a range of criteria, such as technical knowledge, idea leadership and influence of scientific achievements on company success. About 500 Zeiss employees work in the technical ladder.