Jason Arday resigns after Cambridge opens investigation

Sociology professor Jason Arday has announced he is leaving his role at the University of Cambridge after facing questions over his academic work. 

The scholar announced his resignation with immediate effect in an open letter published by the Good Law Project hours after the institution announced it was going to investigate him due to “new information” coming to light

Arday, the youngest black professor ever appointed by Cambridge, has faced a series of allegations in recent days, including claims he plagiarised part of his PhD thesis and some material that appeared in journal papers.

Affiliations with universities including Glasgow and Ohio State have also been questioned after the institutions denied any ongoing links with the professor.

“The University of Cambridge has begun an investigation following new information about Professor Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments,” a statement said.

“In order to ensure a fair process, we will not comment further until this has concluded.”

Cambridge said “a number” of complaints had been made regarding academic misconduct and these were being handled “in line with our Misconduct in Research policy”.

The university had previously said concerns relating to Arday’s PhD thesis were a matter for the awarding institution, Liverpool John Moores University, which has cleared Arday of plagiarism. 

Arday has admitted making “mistakes” and told The Times he should be held “accountable” but has denied being a “liar and fantasist”.

Cambridge said it was “fully aware of the public commentary and concerns around this matter” and added that it “remains vital that any process is thorough and adheres to both university policies and employment law”.

“We also fully recognise that there is a person at the centre of this situation, and we continue to provide support to him.”

Arday is also now the subject of a separate investigation at Jesus College, where he is a fellow.

A spokesperson for the college said: “Parallel to the University of Cambridge's investigation into Professor Arday, Jesus College is launching its own process.

“Professor Arday’s College Fellowship is linked to his university role and we will fully support the university.

“Professor Arday remains a fellow during this process. We recognise that this is a very difficult time for him and his family, and ask that they are treated with compassion and respect.”

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com