Ex-Cambridge professor at center of plagiarism scandal found dead

Jason Arday, a former Cambridge professor who resigned amid a plagiarism scandal, has been found dead. The 41-year-old Black academic was discovered unresponsive in south London on Friday afternoon. The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed the discovery, stating the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious.

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We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news.

Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023, resigned from his university post and fellowship at Jesus College on August 5. This followed accusations of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis and claims by some commentators that he had unfairly benefited from diversity, equality, and inclusion policies. He stated his resignation was the "only way" to end a "difficult period."

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Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Cambridge University's Vice-Chancellor, Deborah Prentice, issued a statement expressing deep sadness and offering sympathies to Arday's family and friends. Education Secretary Lucy Powell also conveyed her shock and sadness, urging the public to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.

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I was deeply shocked [and] saddened by the news.

The controversy surrounding Arday intensified after US academic Nathan Cofnas published claims alleging that sections of Arday's dissertation were copied. British newspapers also published articles investigating Arday's academic work and personal life, disputing some of his past claims. Arday had admitted to making academic "mistakes" in an interview but denied being a "liar and a fantasist and an academic fraud."

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the only way