Newcastle University appoints Anant Ambani as sustainability professor; critics object

Newcastle University awarded a professorship of practice in sustainability to Anant Ambani. The university said the honour recognised his contributions to conservation, biodiversity protection, animal welfare and environmental stewardship. It also noted his executive directorship at Reliance Industries, the conglomerate led by his father, Mukesh Ambani.

Several academics and conservationists publicly objected. Lyla Mehta, a researcher affiliated with the Institute of Development Studies, argued the decision gives academic legitimacy to corporate power and undermines the university's role in questioning powerful interests. Wildlife conservationist Prerna Singh Bindra challenged the characterization of Vantara as a conservation site, calling it a captive facility and likening it to a zoo rather than habitat-based conservation.

Vantara is a sprawling facility covering 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares). The centre bills itself as the world's largest rescue centre. Last month Vantara announced a major reset of its procedures following concerns about its rapid and extensive acquisition of animals, including endangered species. Vantara has consistently denied wrongdoing.

• Captive care versus in situ protection: Critics say conservation should prioritise protecting animals in natural habitats, not accumulating them in captive facilities.
• Academic legitimacy: Opponents argue a university professorship implies endorsement and could weaken academic independence when awarded to a figure tied to fossil-fuel wealth.
• Corporate links: Ambani's role at Reliance Industries, a major oil and retail conglomerate, is central to critics' concerns about conflicts between fossil-fuel interests and sustainability credentials.

Newcastle University framed the appointment around Ambani's work at Vantara and alignment with the university's research on global conservation and biodiversity targets. The university presented Ambani with a Professor of Practice certificate.

• Lyla Mehta said the university was "making a mockery of sustainability," stating universities should question power rather than confer legitimacy.

The case highlights tensions that arise when universities partner with high-profile private figures whose business activities appear at odds with sustainability goals. It also raises practical questions about definitions of conservation and how institutions weigh reputation, funding, and research alignment when naming professors of practice.