Indian oil and gas heir made professor of sustainability at Newcastle University
Newcastle University has appointed Anant Ambani, the son of India's richest man, as a professor of sustainability, sparking significant backlash from conservationists and academics. Critics argue that Ambani, who leads renewable energy efforts for the Reliance Group and operates a controversial private zoo, is not qualified for the role compared to established environmental experts. The controversy has raised broader concerns about the influence of billionaire wealth on academic institutions and the potential erosion of university credibility.
- ▪Anant Ambani, worth an estimated £90bn, was appointed to a professorship of practice at Newcastle University for his work in conservation and environmental stewardship.
- ▪Conservationists and academics criticized the appointment, noting that Ambani's father made his fortune in oil and gas and that the family's Vantara zoo has faced questions regarding the sourcing of endangered species.
- ▪Prof Lyla Mehta from the University of Sussex warned that such appointments risk allowing corporate money to shape academia and undermine the university's role in holding power to account.
- ▪Anant Ambani leads the renewable energy division of the Reliance Group and recently launched Vantara University, which is billed as the first global university dedicated to wildlife conservation.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/sep/24/indian-oil-gas-heir-professor-sustainability-newcastle-university-anant-ambani |
| Publication time | Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:26:44 GMT |
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Anant Amabani, 31, is worth an estimated £90bn. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/ReutersView image in fullscreenAnant Amabani, 31, is worth an estimated £90bn. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/ReutersNewcastle UniversityIndian oil and gas heir made professor of sustainability at Newcastle UniversityIncredulity over role for Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest person, who also runs a controversial mega-zooRachel Hall and Patrick GreenfieldThu 24 Sep 2026 06.26 EDTLast modified on Thu 24 Sep 2026 06.28 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleNewcastle University is facing a backlash from conservationists over the appointment of the heir to an Indian oil and gas fortune who runs a controversial mega-zoo as a professor of sustainability.The university announced that Anant Ambani had been given a…
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