MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, is proud to announce Dr. Yan Liu, Director of Global Research and Development (R&D) at Indium Corporation, as the recipient of the 2025 Innovator of the Year Award. This esteemed honor recognizes individuals who lead the way in innovation, driving advancements in their industry and reshaping the future.
With more than two decades at Indium Corporation, Dr. Liu has been a driving force in solder materials and flux technology innovations, directly influencing the evolution of the electronics manufacturing industry. Her leadership has led to the development of cutting-edge fluxes, solder pastes, and advanced materials, setting new industry benchmarks. She has also played a critical role in building and cultivating Indium Corporation’s global R&D team, guiding them in their mission to develop world-class materials.
Dr. Liu oversees R&D project management for both applied and fundamental research, spearheading breakthrough technology developments. As a key spokesperson for Indium Corporation’s technological advancements, she bridges research, industry needs, and market opportunities—ensuring that R&D efforts align with corporate goals and customer demands.
Her leadership extends globally. In addition to directing Indium Corporation’s Research & Development Center in Suzhou, China, she manages a diverse group of chemists and metallurgists across North America and Asia, fostering cross-functional collaboration to address complex technical challenges. Her tenure as manager of the R&D Flux Group further solidified her expertise in developing high-performance materials that enhance manufacturing efficiency, reliability, and quality.
Collaboration has been central to Dr. Liu’s approach, working closely with operations, sales, quality, technical service, and marketing teams. Her ability to translate scientific research into practical applications has resulted in groundbreaking formulations that improve manufacturing processes and set new industry standards.
In addition to her technical achievements, Dr. Liu is a recognized thought leader in the field, having published over 40 scientific papers in leading polymer journals and presented at numerous international technical conferences. Her dedication to advancing manufacturing science and fostering collaboration across disciplines has solidified her reputation as a true innovator.
Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY, shared, “Dr. Yan Liu is a remarkable leader whose innovative spirit and dedication to advancing the manufacturing industry have made a lasting impact. Her work at Indium Corporation has shaped the future of electronics manufacturing and set new industry standards. We’re deeply honored to recognize her with the 2025 Innovator of the Year Award, celebrating her groundbreaking contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Ross Berntson, President & CEO of Indium Corporation, remarked, “Dr. Yan Liu’s relentless pursuit of innovation has driven significant advancements in electronics manufacturing while strengthening Indium Corporation’s position as a leader in materials science. Her leadership in developing next-generation materials and expanding global collaboration underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. We are honored to see her recognized by MACNY for her outstanding contributions.”
The Innovator of the Year Award was created to celebrate individuals whose contributions drive meaningful change in the manufacturing sector. Dr. Liu’s career embodies the spirit of this award, showcasing how innovation fuels progress and strengthens the industry’s future.
Dr. Liu will be honored by MACNY members and community leaders at MACNY’s 112th Annual Celebration of Manufacturing on May 22, 2025, at the SRC Arena & Events Center in Syracuse, NY.
