An academic who was at the centre of a high-profile plagiarism row has resigned as a professor of sociology at the University of Cambridge after being placed under investigation.
The university, which consistently ranks at the top of higher education league tables, said its inquiry into Professor Jason Arday, who became its youngest black professor in 2023, had begun “following new information”.
The university said the inquiry would examine his academic qualifications and honorary appointments.
A series of media reports have alleged he plagiarised his PhD thesis and other research. Questions were also asked about other claims made by Prof Arday, including that he ran 600 miles in six days and that he had raised £5.5m for charity.
In a letter addressed to colleagues published on the Good Law Project’s website, Professor Arday said: “While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement.
“The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love.”
He said the “only way to bring this chapter to an end” was to step away, adding: “This decision should not be interpreted as a loss of faith in scholarship or in the values that first brought me to Cambridge.
“Nor should it be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me. It is simply the decision of someone who has reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure.”
He said becoming the youngest Black professor in the university’s history was something he could scarcely have imagined as a child growing up with autism, unable to speak until he was 11.
“The response from so many people across the world was overwhelming. Thousands celebrated not simply my appointment, but what it represented: that talent, perseverance and hope can triumph over even the greatest adversity.”
Professor Arday concluded his letter by saying he needed “time to heal”.
In an interview with The Times, he had denied the claims, saying: “We’re talking about academia here. I didn’t murder somebody. I think the cruelty that I’ve experienced and the positioning of me as this kind of liar and fantasist is totally unacceptable.”
A new university statement said: “The University of Cambridge has begun an investigation following new information about Professor Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments. In order to ensure a fair process, we will not comment further until this has concluded.
“Separately, there remains a number of ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct, which are being handled in line with our misconduct in research policy.”
The university said it continued to provide support to the professor, adding: “We are aware that Jesus College, Cambridge, will be taking their own steps in relation to some of these matters.”
A Jesus College spokesperson said that parallel to the university’s investigation, the college was launching its own process.
“Professor Arday’s college fellowship is linked to his university role and we will fully support the university,” they said.
“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.”
