Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Newcastle University Defends Anant Ambani Professorship Amid Conservation Criticism
Newcastle University gave Anant Ambani a Professorship of Practice.
The university says he did not pay for it and that neither he nor a related company made a donation.
It says the honour recognizes his work with animals, conservation and cleaner energy.
Ambani is connected to Vantara, a large wildlife rescue and conservation project in India.
Some academics and environmental campaigners worry that wealthy businesspeople could influence universities.
They also question whether universities should honor people connected to major oil and gas businesses.
Supporters say Ambani’s work could help environmental projects and improve cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.
The university says the position gives Ambani no academic qualification and no control over its academic direction.
The ceremony took place at Newcastle University’s historic King’s Hall.
Newcastle University said Anant Ambani did not pay for his Professorship of Practice and that no donation was received from him or an affiliated company.
The university said the honour recognizes Ambani’s work in conservation, biodiversity protection, animal welfare and environmental stewardship through Vantara.
Critics argued that corporate and billionaire influence could undermine universities’ independence and give legitimacy to powerful interests.
Supporters said the professorship could raise Newcastle University’s international profile, attract Indian students and strengthen UK-India ties.
The role provides no qualification and does not involve setting Newcastle University’s academic direction, according to the university.
- Who
- Anant Ambani, Newcastle University, academic critics, environmental campaigners and supporters including Lord Rami Ranger.
- What
- Newcastle University awarded Ambani a Professorship of Practice and defended the decision by saying he did not pay for the honour.
- When
- At a ceremony described in the reports; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- King’s Hall in the historic Armstrong Building at Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom.
- Why
- The university said the professorship recognizes Ambani’s conservation, animal-welfare and environmental work, as well as his role in Reliance Industries’ energy transition.
Critics
University and Supporters
Corporate influence in academia
Critics
Critics said declining public funding could allow billionaire and corporate money to shape universities and give powerful businesses academic legitimacy.
University and Supporters
The university said the award was based on Ambani’s stated conservation and sustainability contributions, not a payment or donation.
Environmental record
Critics
Environmental campaigners questioned honoring a figure linked to a business whose wider group is associated with oil and gas, while the climate crisis requires a rapid phaseout of fossil fuels.
University and Supporters
Newcastle University emphasized Ambani’s work at Vantara and his role in Reliance Industries’ solar, green hydrogen, circular materials, carbon-capture and clean-fuel initiatives.
Value of the professorship
Critics
Some academics and conservationists reportedly met the announcement with incredulity and derision and questioned whether it was appropriate.
University and Supporters
Supporters said the honour could raise Newcastle University’s international profile, attract Indian students and strengthen UK-India collaboration.
- Award
- Professorship of Practice at Newcastle University
- Payment
- The university said it received no donation from Anant Ambani or a company affiliated with him.
- Role’s scope
- The position confers no qualification and does not set the university’s academic direction.
- Recognized work
- Conservation, biodiversity protection, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
- Main initiative
- Vantara, a 3,500-acre wildlife rescue and conservation initiative in Jamnagar district, Gujarat.
- Energy role
- Ambani is described as an Executive Director of Reliance Industries and a leader in its transition toward a new energy future.
- Ceremony venue
- King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University.