Newcastle University under fire over Anant Ambani professorship amid Vantara scandal

Newcastle University is facing criticism for awarding a sustainability professorship to Anant Ambani. Ambani is the son of Asia's richest man and owns Vantara, a large wildlife center in India. Vantara recently announced a reset of its procedures after concerns were raised about its extensive acquisition of animals globally, including endangered species. The university made the award on September 14th.

Newcastle University is facing backlash from conservationists and academics over its appointment of Anant Ambani as a professor of practice in sustainability. Ambani, son of India's richest man and heir to an oil and gas fortune, was recognized for his work in conservation and environmental stewardship. Critics question the appointment due to his family's oil and gas business and his controversial mega-zoo, Vantara, which has faced scrutiny over animal sourcing and permit irregularities. Some academics fear that corporate funding may influence university appointments, potentially compromising their role in holding corporations accountable. The university maintains the professorship acknowledges Ambani's contributions to conservation.