Gang Liu to receive 2026 MIT Excellence Award
Chemistry Research Specialist Dr. Gang Liu was chosen as a winner in the category of Outstanding Contributor.
Dr. Gang Liu, a Research Specialist in the Department of Chemistry, has been selected as the winner of a 2026 MIT Excellence Award in the Outstanding Contributor category.
“This category—and this honor—could not be more fitting for Gang, whose remarkable contributions over nearly 20 years have had a profound and positive impact throughout the Chemistry Department,” said Department Head and Class of 1942 Professor Matthew D. Shoulders in an email to the department. “His knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and physics is boundless, and his ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair analytical instruments is exceptional. We are very fortunate to have him as a member of our community, and I am very happy to see Gang’s dedication recognized with this award.”
Liu joined the Department of Chemistry in 2007, and his exceptional expertise and ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems—and then efficiently and effectively solve them—have saved the department millions of dollars over the years. Beyond his technical knowledge, his patience in educating and supporting members of the community is another invaluable contribution to the department.
“I was surprised and thrilled to learn that I had won this award,” said Liu. “I am very grateful for the recognition from the Chemistry Department and the Institute, and deeply thankful to all our community members who put great effort into the nomination.”
Liu’s talents and contributions have been previously recognized with a School of Science Infinite Kilometer Award in 2009 and a School of Science Infinite Mile Award in 2015.
The MIT Excellence Awards + Collier Medal recognize the extraordinary efforts of community members in advancing the Institute’s goals, values, and mission. Liu, along with the other 2026 honorees, will be celebrated at the MIT Excellence Awards + Collier Medal Ceremony later this Spring.
