Professor Jason Arday has resigned with immediate effect from the University of Cambridge as the institution launches an inquiry into his academic qualifications, honorary appointments and separate complaints of alleged plagiarism, per bbc.com.
Cambridge said the investigation began “following new information” about Arday’s academic credentials and honorary roles, and that ongoing complaints over academic misconduct were being handled under its Misconduct in Research policy. The university emphasised the need for a thorough process that complies with its policies and employment law, and said it continued to provide support to Arday.
Arday, who became Cambridge’s youngest ever Black professor in 2023, acknowledged errors in his work but denied being “a liar, ” saying he had faced intense public scrutiny and personal attack. In a statement posted by the Good Law Project, he said he had decided to step away for the sake of his wellbeing and family, and indicated he intended to return to his work after a period of recovery.
Allegations of plagiarism were initially raised by US researcher Nathan Cofnas, who said he ran Arday’s thesis through plagiarism-detection software and found passages that closely matched earlier sources. Cofnas has previously attracted controversy for views on race and lost a Cambridge college role after backlash.
Questions have also been raised about claims Arday made for endurance fundraising feats, including running “30 marathons in 35 days,” 300 miles in three days, and 600 miles on a treadmill. Arday told the Guardian that the reported £5m in fundraising was a cumulative total raised with others over 20 years and that some challenges had included rest days; he told the Times he stood by his running records.
Jesus College, where Arday was a fellow, said it would conduct its own process in parallel with the university inquiry. Publisher Simon & Schuster, which is due to release Arday’s memoir later this month, issued a statement defending his professionalism during publication.
Separately, the Metropolitan Police confirmed it had investigated an allegation of harassment against a journalist who emailed Arday, later concluding no offence had been committed; the force acknowledged its request that the journalist make no further contact risked frustrating legitimate journalism.
Arday has argued some early errors reflected aspects of his autism and alleged a coordinated campaign against him, which he described as racially motivated. Supporters have criticised the scrutiny of his CV and called for respect for his request for space.
Arday’s resignation comes amid heightened attention to academic integrity and the verification of credentials at prestigious institutions, and follows debates in the UK over diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.
•Featured image: Jason Arday/Faculty of Education