Newcastle University Names Indian Oil Heir Anant Ambani Professor of Sustainability

Newcastle University has appointed Anant Ambani, heir to an Indian oil and gas fortune, as a professor of practice in sustainability, prompting criticism from conservationists, according to The Guardian.

Ambani is the son of Mukesh Ambani, India's richest person, and runs a controversial mega-zoo in India. The university said the appointment recognized his "work in conservation, biodiversity protection, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship" and his "significant contributions to advancing a more sustainable future."

Backlash from conservationists

The announcement has been met with incredulity among some conservation groups, who have questioned the fit between Ambani's business background and the university's sustainability credentials. Critics point to the scale and nature of his mega-zoo operation as a point of contention.

Newcastle University has not indicated whether the appointment involves specific teaching or research duties, or how long the professorship of practice will last. The university's decision reflects a broader pattern of universities appointing high-profile business figures to honorary or practice-based academic roles.