Ambani has been appointed Professor of Practice in Sustainability at Newcastle University in the UK for wildlife conservation, biodiversity, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. On 14th September 2026, he was appointed at the site of the university’s historic King’s Hall.
The position is a Professorship of Practice, which is a role to bring practical experience and industry knowledge into an academic environment. Newcastle University said Ambani’s conservation work and his work on cleaner energy initiatives were a factor in the decision to appoint him.
Ambani is the founder of Vantara, a 3,500-acre wildlife rescue and conservation centre located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The programme focuses on saving animals, rehabilitating and protecting them, including the injured, abused and endangered species. He has also received the Prani Mitra National Award for animal welfare (Newcastle University).
Ambani is also the Executive Director of Reliance Industries and has been associated with Reliance’s new energy initiatives. Newcastle University highlighted solar manufacturing, green hydrogen, circular materials and carbon capture and clean fuels. The university also referred to Reliance’s stated goal of reaching net-carbon-zero status by 2035.
Ambani gave a lecture on “The Road to a Sustainable Tomorrow” as part of the appointment. Conservation and sustainability were the main points he discussed and the need for conservation efforts to protect nature to continue in different countries and generations.
Ambani said the professorship was a recognition for his previous work and that it was an opportunity to work in the future to create a place where people and nature can coexist.
Newcastle University Vice Chancellor Professor Chris Day said biodiversity loss and nature recovery were the two greatest problems facing the world. He also said universities, industry and other sectors need to work together to resolve environmental problems.
Some academics and environmental campaigners have been concerned about Ambani’s links to Reliance’s oil and gas business and the situation at Vantara. These concerns have been aired by various media outlets but Newcastle University has defended the appointment pointing out his conservation and clean energy work.
The university has also mentioned that it did not receive a donation from Ambani or a company connected to him for the professorship. The appointment was based on his work on conservation, biodiversity, animal welfare and the development of Reliance’s green energy projects.
Ambani will have an academic role that ties his wildlife conservation, animal welfare and energy transition experience into Newcastle University’s work in sustainability, research and education in this new role.
