CAMBRIDGE PROFESSOR JASON ARDAY RESIGNS AMID PLAGIARISM INQUIRY

Professor Jason Arday has resigned from the University of Cambridge with immediate effect, hours after the university announced it would launch an investigation into his academic qualifications and career. Arday, a professor of sociology of education who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, stated on Wednesday night that "relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love". The university said it had received "new information" prompting the inquiry, which would also examine his honorary appointments. Media reports have alleged that Arday plagiarised his PhD thesis and other research.

The University of Cambridge said the investigation would examine his academic qualifications and honorary appointments in order to ensure a fair process. The university also noted that separate ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct were being handled under its misconduct in research policy. In a previous interview, Arday denied the plagiarism allegations and stated: "I am accountable for the mistakes I've made. I hold myself accountable and other people should hold me accountable." He characterised the treatment he had received as "totally unacceptable" and said he did not believe the scale of the allegations was proportionate.

Jesus College, Cambridge, announced it would launch its own parallel process in relation to the matter. The college stated that Arday's fellowship was linked to his university role and that it would fully support the university's investigation. The university said it continued to provide support to Arday during the process and recognised "that there is a person at the centre of this situation".