Former Cambridge professor in plagiarism scandal found dead

Jason Arday, a former professor at Cambridge University, has died at the age of 41. His passing comes just days after he resigned from his positions amid a scandal involving accusations of plagiarism and questions about his academic credentials.

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We are deeply dismayed by this tragic news.

Arday was found unresponsive at a home in Battersea, South London. The Metropolitan Police stated that the death is considered unexpected but not suspicious, and his family has been informed. The news follows his departure from his roles as a professor of Education and Sociology at Cambridge and as a researcher at Jesus College.

The university had initiated an investigation into Arday's qualifications and honorary appointments following multiple allegations of academic misconduct. Arday had admitted to errors in his early work but vehemently denied being a fraud. He suggested to The Times that he was the target of a coordinated campaign, potentially fueled by racial bias and opposition to diversity policies.

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I am responsible for those errors, but what I am not is a liar.

Arday gained international attention in 2023 as Cambridge's youngest Black professor, a moment celebrated as a milestone for the institution. However, his rapid rise came under increasing scrutiny. American researcher Nathan Cofnas alleged that over 100 passages in Arday's doctoral thesis were plagiarized or minimally altered. Further media reports questioned other achievements on his CV, including sports records and charitable fundraising figures.

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a very well-orchestrated and coordinated campaign