Newcastle University in the United Kingdom has come under scrutiny following its decision to appoint Anant Ambani, son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, to a professorship in sustainability. The appointment, announced on September 14, recognized Ambani’s involvement in advancing sustainability initiatives, particularly through his leadership role at Vantara, a large wildlife rescue center in India.

Vantara, which describes itself as the world’s largest rescue center, recently drew criticism amid concerns over its rapid and extensive acquisition of animals, including endangered species, from across the globe. The center subsequently initiated a comprehensive review of its procedures to address these issues.

In its statement, Newcastle University highlighted the alignment between Ambani’s work at Vantara and the institution’s research in global conservation and biodiversity. The university also pointed to Ambani’s position as an executive director at Reliance Industries, the Indian conglomerate led by his father, Mukesh Ambani, which operates in sectors including retail and oil.

However, the appointment has sparked backlash among academics and observers. Lyla Mehta, a researcher at the Institute of Development Studies affiliated with the University of Sussex, criticized the university on social media, suggesting the move undermines the credibility of sustainability efforts. She argued that universities should serve as platforms to challenge corporate influence rather than granting such entities academic validation.

The controversy underscores ongoing debates about the relationship between academic institutions and business interests, particularly in fields related to environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility. Newcastle University has thus far defended its decision, citing Ambani’s contributions to sustainability, while critics maintain that the appointment raises questions about the appropriate intersection of wealth, business, and academia.