Sustainability Role for Anant Ambani Sparks Debate at Newcastle University

Newcastle University has appointed Anant Ambani as a professor of practice in sustainability. The move has caused debate among conservation experts and some university staff.

Ambani is the son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani. He works with the Reliance Group and leads work on renewable energy. He also founded Vantara. It is a large animal rescue and care center in Gujarat, India.

Newcastle University said the new role honors Ambani's work in conservation, animal care and the protection of nature. The university also pointed to his work to help Reliance move toward green energy.

But some experts have questioned the decision.

One concern is Ambani's family's large oil and gas business. Critics say this creates questions about the link between his new sustainability role and his family's business interests.

Vantara has also faced questions about how some animals were brought to the facility. A 2025 report raised concerns about animals arriving through countries with unclear wildlife trade records.

A CITES fact finding report later raised concerns about some permits used to bring animals to Vantara. It also warned that large animal imports could create demand for animals from illegal sources.

However, India's Supreme Court investigation found no wrongdoing by Vantara's operators. The Ambani family and Vantara have also denied claims of illegal wildlife trade.

Vantara later announced changes to its work. It appointed a former CITES leader to help oversee its operations. It also said it would pause wildlife imports until June next year.

Some academics have raised a wider question about the role of wealthy business leaders in universities. They say universities should carefully examine such appointments.

Newcastle University has defended its decision. It said Ambani's work in animal care and green energy supports the reasons for the professorship.

The appointment has now started a wider discussion about conservation, business and the role of universities in promoting sustainability.