Cambridge professor under investigation was guest speaker at Irish conference

Jason Arday, a University of Cambridge professor who recently resigned amid an investigation into his academic qualifications, was a guest speaker at the Irish National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) conference last year. Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023, stepped down after admitting errors in his work but stated he faced "unrelenting public scrutiny and personal attack."

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regardless of his resignation, it would continue to investigate the circumstances around (his) appointment and tenure

Cambridge University announced it would continue its investigation into Arday's appointment and tenure, even after his resignation, following "new information." Jesus College, where Arday was a fellow, also launched its own probe.

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an unrelenting level of public scrutiny and personal attack

According to the Department of Education and Youth, NEPS paid Arday £2,400 for his appearance at the 2025 conference, with an additional €165.44 for his flight. The conference's theme was "Educational Psychology in Practice: Reflections on the Power of Voice, Participation and Lived Experience."

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Jason Arday spoke of his lived experience as an autistic person with a focus on his educational experience and development, including engagement with educational psychology services in the UK

NEPS stated that guest speakers contribute on specific topics but do not determine or influence its policy or practice. The service emphasized that its work is guided by evidence-based research and extensive consultation with children, young people, teachers, and school communities.

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Guest speakers contribute on specific topics and perspectives, but no individual contributor determines or influences NEPS policy or practice.