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2 clusters · 4 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

Newcastle University appointment of Anant Ambani

Overview

Newcastle University has appointed Anant Ambani, an executive director at Reliance Industries and heir to an Indian fossil fuel fortune, as a Professor of Practice in Sustainability. The university stated the role aims to integrate his industrial experience in green energy, decarbonization, and wildlife conservation into the academic environment to assist students.

The appointment has faced criticism from academics, environmentalists, and conservation campaigners. Critics have raised concerns regarding academic independence and the potential for billionaire funding to lend “undue credibility to the fossil fuel industry,” noting the Ambani family’s extensive interests in oil and gas.

Ambani also manages Vantara, a large private animal welfare and conservation facility in Gujarat. While the facility has previously faced scrutiny from conservation groups regarding the sourcing of endangered species, the family has denied any wrongdoing, and an Indian Supreme Court investigation found no misconduct.

Entities

Newcastle University · Vantara · Anant Ambani · Mukesh Ambani · Reliance Industries

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Anant Ambani appointed sustainability professor at Newcastle University

    Newcastle University appointed Anant Ambani, an executive at Reliance Industries, as Professor of Practice in Sustainability, sparking criticism from campaigners regarding his family's oil and gas ties.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Newcastle University appoints Indian oil heir Anant Ambani as sustainability professor

    Newcastle University faces backlash after appointing Anant Ambani, heir to an Indian oil fortune, as a Professor of Sustainability, sparking debates over academic integrity and industry influence.

Sources

americanbazaaronline.com · boingboing.net · singtaousa.com · thetab.com