The University of Cambridge has confirmed it will conduct an independent investigation into the appointment and tenure of Jason Arday, who resigned last week as professor of sociology of education following allegations of plagiarism and questions about some of his achievements.
Cambridge to investigate Jason Arday's appointment and tenure following his resignation
The University of Cambridge has confirmed it will conduct an independent investigation into the appointment and tenure of Jason Arday, who resigned last week as professor of sociology of education following allegations of plagiarism and questions about some of his achievements.
Arday, 41, became Cambridge's youngest ever black professor in 2023. He denies any plagiarism and has said the recent controversy subjected him to 'an unrelenting level of public scrutiny and personal attack'.
The investigation will be carried out by senior academics from within and beyond Cambridge and is set to begin as soon as possible, according to the university. The inquiry was previously announced on Friday.
Vice-chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice wrote to university staff acknowledging 'anger and anxiety around this damaging and difficult case' and said she shares concerns raised by those inside and outside Cambridge.
In her letter, Prentice stated that staff of colour at Cambridge 'are highly valued, for their scholarship, their achievements, and the contributions they make to the institution and the wider academic community', and said the case 'should not be used to cast aspersions on their work or the legitimacy of their roles at Cambridge'.
The findings of the investigation will inform a broader review into the processes used to appoint senior academic roles at the university.
- The specific nature of the plagiarism allegations and questions about Arday's achievements are not detailed in the source.
- The identities or number of the senior academics who will conduct the investigation are not named.
- The source does not specify what aspect of the appointments process prompted the review or what changes are being considered.
- No timeline is given for when the investigation is expected to conclude or when findings will be published.