# Newcastle University appointment of Anant Ambani > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/newcastle-university-appointment-of-anant-ambani > Updated: 2026-09-29T19:08:26.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anant-ambani-appointed-sustainability-professor-at-newcastle-university ### 2026-09-26: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/newcastle-university-appoints-indian-oil-heir-anant-ambani-as-sustainability-professor --- Cite as: Newcastle University appointment of Anant Ambani. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/newcastle-university-appointment-of-anant-ambani