Professor Jason Arday, who became recognized as Cambridge University's youngest Black professor, is now facing scrutiny regarding his academic record and past personal anecdotes. Three universities have contested claims of his academic positions, as detailed on the Jesus College website where he is a fellow. Ohio State University stated they have no record of an employee by that name, and the University of Glasgow confirmed he is not and never was a visiting professor there. Durham University noted he has no formal position, though he held an unpaid academic association for ongoing project work.
These disputes arise as Professor Arday is already under pressure concerning allegations of plagiarism in his 2015 PhD thesis. While Liverpool John Moores University cleared him of academic misconduct, critics have called for a new inquiry, citing alleged copied passages. Professor Arday has admitted to errors in his work but has defended himself, stating he is not a 'fantasist' and that the scrutiny has been overly cruel.
Further doubts have been cast on Arday's past claims. WaterAid has questioned his assertion of volunteering to install water points in South America and West Africa. He has also acknowledged that his claim of personally raising £5.5 million for charity was inaccurate, explaining he was part of a larger fundraising group with non-disclosure agreements. Additionally, a claim he made about being featured in the TV series 'Seven Up' has been contradicted, as the series began decades before his birth. Professor Arday has since clarified this by stating he was referring to a local community initiative and not the well-known documentary series.
The University of Cambridge has previously stated it takes allegations of academic misconduct seriously and that investigations are typically handled by the institution where the research was conducted. They have advised complainants to approach the relevant institutions or passed on complaints. Liverpool John Moores University confirmed that a confidential procedure was conducted in response to allegations against Arday, and his PhD remains valid.