President Xi Jinping called on society to learn from renowned geophysicist Huang Danian, who made outstanding contributions in education and scientific research.
Xi made the remarks in a written instruction praising Huang's contribution to the nation.
Xi said Huang devoted his life to national prosperity and revival and people's well-being. He called on the public to follow Huang's example, learning from his patriotism, professional dedication and the noble spirit of being indifferent to fame and wealth while dedicated to the country.
"People should put their patriotism and aspirations into the great course of reform and development," Xi said, asking people to do their jobs well, and contribute to the realization of the nation's two centenary goals and the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.
Huang was known for his expertise in deep Earth exploration technology, and studied and worked in Britain for 18 years before returning to China in 2009.
In 2008, China launched a national recruitment program for global top talent, called the Thousand Talents program, as part of building an innovation-driven economy.
Huang became one of the first to participate. He gave up his position in Britain and sold his property to work at Jilin University in Changchun.
"I should go as my country needs me," he said in an email to a friend at Jilin University. He said that no matter how successful he was abroad, the biggest satisfaction would be improving his home country.
He helped China soar in a number of technical fields, transforming the nation into one of the world's leaders in deep Earth exploration.
Huang's cancer went undetected since he was constantly working, causing him to miss the key window for treatment. On Jan 8, Huang died of bile duct cancer at age 58.
Xinhua News Agency contributed to this story.
