Newcastle University is facing public criticism following its decision to grant a sustainability professorship to Anant Ambani. Ambani is the son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, and is the primary figure behind Vantara, a massive wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center located in India.

The controversy stems from recent scrutiny surrounding Vantara’s operations. While the organization markets itself as the world’s largest rescue center, it recently announced a significant internal restructuring of its procedures. This move followed widespread concerns regarding the facility's rapid acquisition of animals, including various endangered species, from across the globe. Critics argue that the university’s decision to associate its academic reputation with Ambani is problematic given these ongoing questions about the ethics and management of his wildlife projects.

Newcastle University officially announced the appointment on September 14. As of now, the university has not provided a detailed public response to the specific criticisms regarding the connection between the professorship and the Vantara scandal. The situation highlights a growing tension between academic institutions seeking high-profile partnerships and the reputational risks associated with the business practices of their donors or appointees.