The physicist and mathematician Lin Lanying was a pioneer and strong contributor to the research of semiconductor materials.

After her PhD in the U.S., Lin Lanying returned to China. There, she and her team synthesized crystals of aerospace and semiconductor materials, including China’s first mono-crystals of silicon and of gallium arsenide. Her research set the foundation for microelectronics and optoelectronics (light-emitting and -detecting devices). She also led the production of high-purity vapor and liquid phase materials.

Among many awards and recognitions, Lin Lanying was twice awarded the National S&T Progress Award, she received four times the first prize in CAS S&T Progress Award, and she was given the Henry Fok Achievement Award.

On top of her academic achievements, she was a social activist and politically active.