Mr Anant Ambani, known for his work in conservation, biodiversity protection, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship received the honour in recognition of his significant contributions to advancing a more sustainable future, in a ceremony in the University’s historic King’s Hall.  

Professor Ambani founded Vantara, a 3,500-acre wildlife rescue and conservation initiative in Jamnagar district, Gujarat, India, which focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of abused, injured, and endangered animals from all over the world.  Work on the rehabilitation of elephants was recognised with the prestigious ‘Prani Mitra’ National Award, India’s highest recognition for corporate contribution to animal welfare.

Professor Ambani became the youngest and first Asian recipient of the Global Humane Award, a prestigious recognition for leadership in evidence-based welfare programs, science-led conservation initiatives and sustained efforts to protect vulnerable species worldwide

Work at Vantara closely aligns with the University’s world-leading research on global conservation and biodiversity targets, as well as inter-disciplinary expertise including in data visualisation and analysis. The ceremony celebrated a shared commitment to environmental responsibility and global impact.

The Professorship was conferred in a traditional ceremony presided over by the University Chancellor, Imtiaz Dharker, and attended by his wife Mrs Radhika Ambani alongside leading figures in the world of business, conservation and academia.

On receiving the honour of Professor of Practice in Sustainability at Newcastle University, Professor Ambani said in his lecture called ‘The road to a sustainable tomorrow’: “As humanity confronts a different set of global challenges, I believe conservation and sustainability must become the next great movement - one that transcends nations, generations and differences.

“It is in that spirit that I accept this honour - not simply as a recognition of past work, but as a responsibility to do more: to help build a future in which people and nature thrive together, on the one planet we all call home.”

Professor Chris Day, CBE, DL, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University said: “We are facing a global challenge, and it is critical that we act with urgency to reverse biodiversity decline and enable nature's recovery. Achieving this requires bold leadership, innovation and collaboration across sectors. Professor Ambani is demonstrating exactly this kind of leadership, driving forward ambitious solutions that support the restoration of healthy, resilient ecosystems for future generations.

“I am delighted to welcome Professor Ambani into Newcastle University. Sustainability is one of the foundations on which our institution is built, underpinning and strengthening our core activities in education, research and engagement. Global leaders such as Professor Ambani are helping to redefine what is possible, bringing together sustainability, technology and business transformation to deliver meaningful impact for society and address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Student message

The ceremony was held in King’s Hall within the historic Armstrong Building, which in 1967 was the setting for Dr Martin Luther King Jr receiving his honorary doctorate - Newcastle University being the only UK university to honour him in his lifetime. 

Speaking before the ceremony, Professor Ambani said: “Everyone who graduates from here has the potential to change the world in some way. I am so honoured to be here at the steps of Newcastle University where the honourable and most legendary Martin Luther King stood.

“Sustainability and protecting a world with kindness and compassion is the most required. I think Newcastle has the potential to give back to society by getting the students to be the most compassionate students ever.”

Leading energy transition

Beyond his wildlife conservation work, Professor Ambani is an Executive Director of Reliance Industries and a key force behind the group’s transition toward a new energy future, advancing initiatives in solar manufacturing, green hydrogen, circular materials, carbon capture, clean fuels, and next-generation energy technologies. His leadership supports Reliance’s ambitious vision of becoming a Net Carbon Zero enterprise by 2035 - one of the largest sustainability transitions being undertaken by any company globally.

Professor Ambani’s vision resonates strongly with Newcastle University’s own commitment to advancing a more sustainable future. Through pioneering research and education in energy transitions, clean energy systems and electrification, the University is helping to develop the technologies, evidence and skilled workforce needed to support the global shift to a low-carbon economy. These shared ambitions demonstrate the value of collaboration between industry and academia in addressing some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

Professor Stephanie Glendinning, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University said: “Having recently visited Vantara and witnessed first-hand the extraordinary work being undertaken there, I was both excited and deeply honoured that Professor Ambani visited us in Newcastle University.

“We share a vision rooted in a profound respect for nature and for all living beings. By bringing together our knowledge, experience and commitment to service, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to some of the world's most pressing challenges: food and water security, biodiversity loss, and animal welfare.

“Inspired by the understanding that all life is interconnected, we believe that through collaboration, compassion and innovation, we can help bring about transformative change for the benefit of both people and the wider living world.”

In the closing speech to the ceremony, the Honorary consul General of India (Newcastle), Mr J M “Meenu” Malhotra, DL, said: “The bond between the United Kingdom and India is among the deepest and most enduring in the world - a partnership of history, of family, of trade, and of shared ambition. Here in the North East, and at this University, that partnership is no abstraction. It lives in the students who travel between our two countries, in the research that crosses our borders, and in occasions such as this one.

“The challenges facing our environment respect no borders, and no single nation, however great, can meet them alone. But the United Kingdom and India, working side by side - in science, in enterprise, and in conscience - can help to light that road for others to follow.

Sanjana Medipally, Strategic Partnerships Lead for India, Newcastle University, said: “Having seen Vantara's work first-hand, I've been struck by how closely it mirrors Newcastle University's own commitment to conservation and a sustainable future. This partnership has been a privilege to build, and I look forward to helping it grow into something of lasting value for both our countries."

To learn more about Newcastle University and the opportunities available to Indian students, information can be found on our India Country page including information on scholarships worth £7,000–£10,000 available for eligible candidates. 

Image shows: Pictured in front of the statue of Dr Martin Luther King Jr at Newcastle University (l-r) Mrs Radhika Ambani; Mr Anant Ambani; Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President, Newcastle University ; Ms Sanjana Medipally, Acting Head of International Relations and Partnerships, Newcastle University; and Professor Stephanie Glendinning, Pro-Vice -Chancellor, Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University.