The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) has called on the country's scientists to follow the example of late geophysicist Huang Danian.

A CAST symposium Tuesday in Beijing was attended by friends and colleagues of Huang.

Shang Yong, executive vice president of the CAST, told the scientists to learn from Huang's patriotism and professional dedication.

"With his spirit, our scientists will be more confident and courageous in conquering challenges and advancing our country in science and technology," said Shang.

In 2008, China launched a national recruitment program inviting overseas Chinese and foreign professionals to come to work in China.

Huang, known for his work in deep earth exploration technology, was one of the first to participate in the program, and came to work at Jilin University in 2009, after studying and working in Britain for 18 years.

In the following years, he helped China in a number of technical fields, transforming the nation into one of the world's leaders in deep earth exploration.

Huang died from bile duct cancer aged 58 on Jan. 8

"Huang gave everything he learned to his country," Zhou Shouwei, vice president of the CAST, said in the symposium.