Who is Jason Arday? Cambridge professor resigns amid plagiarism allegations

Jason Arday, a prominent sociology professor at the University of Cambridge, has resigned from his position amid allegations of plagiarism. The university confirmed it has initiated fresh investigations into his academic qualifications, career history, and other complaints of academic misconduct.

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It is with profound sadness that I write to resign, with immediate effect, from my position at the University of Cambridge and Jesus College.

Arday announced his immediate resignation on Wednesday, stating that the intense scrutiny and public commentary surrounding his work had become overwhelming. In a statement, he expressed profound sadness and noted the significant toll the accusations had taken on him and his loved ones. The Good Law Project published his statement, which was also cited by The Guardian.

The University of Cambridge stated that the new investigation was prompted by "new information" regarding Arday's academic credentials and honorary appointments. Separate complaints concerning alleged academic misconduct are also under review according to the university's research misconduct policy. Jesus College, where Arday is also a fellow, will conduct its own parallel inquiry.

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The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love.

Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023 at age 37, had previously faced plagiarism allegations. An earlier investigation by Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded his doctorate, did not uphold those claims, attributing any issues to "honest and reasonable error." Arday has consistently denied any academic misconduct, pointing to previous investigations that cleared him.

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The University of Cambridge has begun an investigation following new information about Prof Arday's academic qualifications and honorary appointments.