Will Anant Ambani Teach Classes at Newcastle University?

Newcastle University's decision to confer an honorary professorship in sustainability on Indian business heir Anant Ambani has raised a basic but widely asked question among the public: does this title actually mean he will be teaching students at the university, and if not, what does the role actually involve.

What Does Anant Ambani's 'Professor Of Practice' Title Actually Mean

Anant Ambani has been named 'Professor of Practice in Sustainability' by Newcastle University, a title that is different from a conventional academic professorship and does not typically require regular classroom teaching. Professor of Practice roles are usually honorary or industry linked positions given to individuals with significant real world experience in a particular field, intended to bring practical insight and professional credibility to a university's academic environment rather than involve day to day lecturing duties. Anant Ambani Steps In To Help Murshidabad Teen Iqbal Who Lived in Ponds, Airlifted to Mumbai for Treatment.

In Ambani's case, the university's citation focused on his association with sustainability initiatives, particularly those linked to Vantara, the 3,500-acre wildlife facility in Gujarat, as well as his position as an executive director at Reliance Industries, the energy and retail conglomerate led by his father Mukesh Ambani.

University's Rationale Behind The Appointment

In its official announcement on September 14, Newcastle University said Ambani had made 'significant contributions to advancing a more sustainable future,' and stated that work connected to Vantara aligned with the university's own research focus on global conservation and biodiversity targets. The university did not specify any teaching commitments, course involvement or academic duties attached to the title. Anant Ambani Formally Appointed Whole-time Executive Director of Reliance Industries; Receives Over 94% Shareholder Approval.

Why The Appointment Has Triggered Debate

The honorary title has drawn criticism from academics and conservationists who argue that such Professor of Practice appointments, while not involving actual teaching, still carry academic weight and legitimacy that critics believe should not be extended to corporate figures without closer scrutiny.

Lyla Mehta, a professor at the Institute of Development Studies affiliated with the University of Sussex, said universities were meant to question power rather than confer legitimacy on it, calling the appointment an institutional misstep.

Conservationist Prerna Singh Bindra also questioned the sustainability credentials behind the title, pointing out that Vantara remains a captive facility rather than a wild habitat conservation effort, and cautioned that recognising such initiatives at an academic level could blur the distinction between genuine conservation work and the accumulation of animals in captivity.

No Formal Teaching Role Confirmed

Neither Newcastle University nor Reliance Industries has issued a detailed clarification on what specific responsibilities, if any, come with the title, or whether Ambani is expected to engage directly with students, guest lecture, or contribute to the university's research work in any formal capacity going forward.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 09:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).