The Campus Review
September 25, 2026
Newcastle University has appointed Anant Ambani as professor, naming him Professor of Practice in Sustainability for his work in conservation, animal welfare, biodiversity and clean-energy transition.
The Anant Ambani appointed as professor decision has drawn criticism from academics and conservationists, who have questioned his links to Reliance Industries and Vantara.
The university, however, says the appointment recognizes Ambani’s practical work in sustainability and his role in advancing conservation and clean-energy initiatives.
Anant Ambani Professor Appointment at a Glance
| Key Fact | Details |
| Appointee | Anant Ambani |
| University | Newcastle University, UK |
| Official Title | Professor of Practice in Sustainability |
| Appointment Announced | September 14, 2026 |
| Vantara | 3,500-acre wildlife rescue and conservation initiative |
| Reliance Role | Executive Director, Reliance Industries |
| Reliance Sustainability Goal | Net Carbon Zero by 2035 |
Why Was Anant Ambani Appointed as Professor at Newcastle University?
Newcastle University said the Anant Ambani professor appointment recognizes his work in two main areas: conservation and clean-energy transition.
Conservation and Animal Welfare
Ambani founded Vantara, a 3,500-acre wildlife rescue and conservation initiative in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
According to Newcastle University, Vantara focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and protecting abused, injured and endangered animals.
The university also highlighted Ambani’s Prani Mitra National Award and Global Humane Award.
Clean-Energy Transition
Ambani is an executive director of Reliance Industries and has a leadership role in the company’s new-energy business.
Newcastle University highlighted Reliance’s work in:
- Solar manufacturing
- Green hydrogen
- Carbon capture
- Clean fuels
- Circular materials
Reliance has set a goal of becoming a Net Carbon Zero enterprise by 2035.
What Did Newcastle University Say About the Appointment?
Newcastle University described Ambani as a leader in sustainability, conservation and clean-energy transition.
Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, highlighted Ambani’s work on ecosystem restoration and sustainability.
Professor Stephanie Glendinning, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, also pointed to links between Vantara’s work and Newcastle University’s research in conservation and sustainability.
The university said the Professorship of Practice in Sustainability is intended to recognize practical experience and connect it with academic work.
Why Is Anant Ambani’s Appointment Facing Backlash?
The Anant Ambani Newcastle University appointment has faced criticism from academics and conservationists.
Ramachandra Guha Questions the Decision
Indian environmental scholar and author Ramachandra Guha questioned the university’s decision.
Guha said he could identify many environmental professionals whom he considered more qualified for the honour. He also questioned whether the university had carried out sufficient due diligence before making the appointment.
University Staff Raise Concerns
Prof Matt Perry, chair of Newcastle University’s University and College Union branch, said staff members had raised objections to the appointment.
Professor Lyla Mehta of the University of Sussex’s Institute of Development Studies also expressed concern about the growing influence of billionaire and corporate money in higher education.
These views differ from Newcastle University’s stated reasoning. The university maintains that Ambani’s work in conservation and clean-energy transition supports the appointment.
What Is the Controversy Around Vantara?
Vantara has become another major part of the debate surrounding the Anant Ambani sustainability appointment.
Conservation groups have previously raised questions about how some animals at the facility were sourced.
A CITES fact-finding mission also examined concerns involving wildlife imports and permits connected to animals brought to Vantara.
Vantara and the Ambani family have denied allegations of wildlife trafficking and said the facility focuses on animal rescue, rehabilitation and welfare.
In August 2026, Vantara announced an operational review and said it would voluntarily pause wildlife imports until June 2027.
The Bigger Debate Over Anant Ambani’s Appointment
The Anant Ambani appointment has also renewed discussion about the role of education in preparing leaders to address environmental challenges. Environmental education can help develop systems thinking, sustainability awareness and practical problem-solving skills.
Newcastle University has emphasized Ambani’s practical experience in conservation, sustainability and clean-energy transition.
Critics have instead questioned whether his corporate connections and the controversies surrounding Vantara should have been considered before the appointment.
The debate puts sustainability, conservation and corporate influence in higher education at the center of the discussion surrounding Newcastle University’s decision.
