An Appointment Under Scrutiny
Newcastle University has faced significant backlash from the academic community and international conservationists following its decision to appoint Indian businessman Anant Ambani as a ‘Professor of Practice in Sustainability.’ The appointment, announced on September 14, 2026, aims to recognize Ambani’s contributions to clean energy transitions and wildlife conservation through his work at Reliance Industries and the Vantara wildlife project in Gujarat, according to Education Times.
The move has triggered what The Guardian described as “incredulity and derision” among staff and environmental experts, who argue that the university failed to conduct sufficient due diligence regarding the controversies surrounding Vantara. Historian Ramachandra Guha publicly questioned the selection, characterizing it as a “mystifying choice” in comments reported by the Deccan Herald.
The Debate Over Vantara
At the center of the controversy is Vantara, a large-scale wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility founded by Ambani. While Newcastle University maintains that Vantara is a model for animal welfare—citing the Prani Mitra National Award—critics highlight ongoing concerns regarding the sourcing of animals. An open letter signed by 27 international conservation organizations on September 22 called for greater transparency, specifically citing the import of roughly 60,000 live animals, including endangered species.
Vantara has consistently denied allegations of wildlife trafficking. A critical distinction in the current debate is the legal status of the facility; the Supreme Court of India recorded in September 2025 that inquiries into the center found no violations of law, confirming that imports were conducted with required statutory permits. Despite this legal clearance, environmentalists like Prerna Singh Bindra argue that the facility functions primarily as a zoo, raising questions about the appropriateness of honoring such an initiative within an academic framework dedicated to conservation science.
Academic Integrity and Industry Influence
The appointment has forced a broader discussion on the role of ‘Professors of Practice’—a designation intended to bring industry expertise into universities. Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Day defended the decision, emphasizing the need for collaboration between industry and academia to meet global sustainability challenges. The university pointed to Ambani’s involvement in Reliance Industries’ shift toward green hydrogen and carbon-capture technologies as key qualifications.
However, critics argue that the prestige of a university professorship should be reserved for those with recognized academic or research achievements. The tension reflects a growing concern regarding corporate influence in higher education, particularly when the subject involves sensitive environmental and ethical issues. As of late September, the university remains committed to the appointment, framing it as a strategic partnership for future sustainability research.