Wang Yan, born at Jinan, Shandong Province in Feb. 1938, is a specialist in space cryogenic technology. He graduated from on the Tsinghua University in 1960. From then on he has been engaged in research work in the Lanzhou Physics Institute (Lanzhou Space Technology Physics Institute). He received senior engineer in 1982, master student supervisor in 1985, professor in 1991, and won the State Council special allowance in 1992. He was appointed deputy head of Cryogenic Research division, deputy director of the Institute from 1983 to 1998. He was vice chairman of the first subcommittee of the Chinese Association of Refrigeration and member of the Physic Society of Gansu province. Now he is vice director of the editorial board for the Journal of Cryogenic Engineering.
Mr.Wang is one of the main establishers for the cryogenic engineering in the Lanzhou Physics Institute. He has finished many research projects in the space environmental simulation such as the liquidnitrogen cycle, in which some achievements are with high scientific level and important value. For example, the single phase closed liquid nitrogen cycle used in two large scale space environmental simulation instruments which reached the international level and was used successfully for testing of dozens of satellites or components. A 20K helium cryocooler was developed successfully to meet urgent need for   cooling devices in the satellite communication stations, and also a hydrogen liquefier was established supporting the research of the physical properties of the space materials at low temperature and also for the development of the hydrogenoxygen rocket engine. He has made great contribution for the national space technology. He was responsible from 1987 to 1999 for developing the space titanium alloy propellant tanks and pressure container, which were successfully used in satellites with 10 different types and more than 120 of tanks and pressure container.
He was honored as an advanced worker of science and technology by Gansu Province and received a First Class Merit by the Chinese Academy of Space Technology, awards of the National Science Conference and the Provincial Science Conference, award of the National Defense Science and Technology Achievement, two times of the Second Class Award of the Critical Achievement by the National Defense Scientific Industry Committee，and a first class Award of the National Science and Technology Progress (Joint Project).