Newcastle University Appoints Anant Ambani as Professor of Practice

Newcastle University appointed Anant Ambani, heir to an Indian oil and gas fortune, as a professor of practice in recognition of his work in sustainability, biodiversity protection, and animal welfare. The decision has drawn criticism from conservationists and academic staff who question Ambani's qualifications and the university's credibility. Critics point to the contradiction of honoring the son of Mukesh Ambani, whose Reliance conglomerate is built on oil and gas, amid a global climate crisis.

Controversy also surrounds Vantara, a 1,400-hectare private zoo in Gujarat operated by Ambani. While India's supreme court cleared the zoo's operators of wrongdoing, a report from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora suggested that some animal import permits were likely forged, leading to allegations of illegal wildlife trafficking.

In response to these concerns, Vantara appointed a former head of the international trade body to oversee its operations. The facility has also paused all wildlife imports until June 2027 to address the allegations.