DeWITT, N.Y. — MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, has selected Yan Liu, Ph.D., director of global research and development (R&D) at Indium Corporation, as the recipient of the 2025 Innovator of the Year Award.
The award recognizes people who “lead the way in innovation, driving advancements in their industry and reshaping the future,” per the MACNY announcement.
MACNY members and community leaders will honor Liu at MACNY’s 112th annual Celebration of Manufacturing on May 22 at the SRC Arena & Events Center on the campus of Onondaga Community College in the town of Onondaga.
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Based in Clinton in Oneida County, Indium Corporation describes itself as a materials refiner, smelter, manufacturer, and supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, thin-film, and thermal-management markets.
About Liu
With more than two decades at Indium Corporation, 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.” MACNY said.
The DeWitt–based MACNY went on to say that she has also played a big role in building and cultivating Indium Corporation’s global R&D team, guiding members in their mission to develop “world-class” materials.
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, MACNY said she bridges research, industry needs, and market opportunities — ensuring that R&D efforts align with corporate goals and customer demands.
“Dr. Yan Liu is a remarkable leader whose innovative spirit and dedication to advancing the manufacturing industry have made a lasting impact,” Randy Wolken, president & CEO of MACNY, said in the announcement. “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.”
Her leadership extends globally. In addition to directing Indium Corporation’s research & development center in Suzhou, China, she manages a 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.”
