Scientific giant falls, science spirit rises

Huang Danian, a strategic scientist and professor at the Geology Palace of Jilin University, devoted his life to research on earth observation, aerospace detection, and education until his death on Jan 8, 2017.

In life, he was a simple, straightforward man; but in death he will be remembered for his fantastic contributions to both his field of study and his students.

Huang Danian at an academic exchange activity at Stanford University on Dec 5, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

Exploring the world

Huang graduated from Jilin University's School of Geology in 1981 and immediately went abroad for further study in the geological sciences, his travels taking him to several places around the globe.

He returned to China in 2010 and started his research at the Geology Palace of Jilin University, where he worked until passing in January.

Huang's office was plain and clean, with two computers on the desk and five sets of bookshelves, holding all kinds of books in English and Chinese.

On the right side of the bookshelves was a cotton quilt. Huang used to work hard in his office day and night, and the calendar stuck to the wall was filled with appointments and events, including report conferences, discussions, seminars, and business trips.

Huang wrote "it is our generation's responsibility to prosper for our nation" in a note to his classmates before graduation. [Photo/Xinhua]