Cambridge University has initiated an independent review into the circumstances surrounding the death of Professor Jason Arday, the institution's youngest Black professor. The review will investigate the support provided to Arday before his passing and the university's broader procedures related to his appointment and tenure.
Professor Arday, 41, was found deceased at his home in London last month, shortly after resigning from his position. An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.
Vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice stated in a video message that the university community has experienced profound sadness and reflection since Arday's death. "We worked very hard to support Professor Arday during an appalling period of external criticism and focus, but given the devastating outcome, we are all asking ourselves whether we could have and should have done more," Prentice said. "This review will answer that question."
The first part of the review, led by former chief crown prosecutor for North West England Nazir Afzal, is expected to provide findings within three months. This phase will focus on the "support, interventions and protections available to Professor Arday during the period prior to his death."
Afzal, who also serves as the chancellor of the University of Manchester, emphasized the personal impact of Arday's death. "At its heart is a person, a family and a community who have been profoundly affected by Professor Arday's death," Afzal stated. "We must be willing to ask difficult questions, including whether more could and should have been done."
The second, more extensive part of the review will scrutinize Cambridge's methods for recruiting academics and the subsequent support offered to them. Previously, the university had announced an investigation into Arday's appointment amid allegations concerning his academic record. The continuation of that review became uncertain following his death.
Arday resigned on August 5, stating that his departure should not be taken as an admission of the "narratives that have surrounded me." The controversy primarily concerned allegations of plagiarism in his PhD thesis, which was completed at Liverpool John Moores University. Further scrutiny was also applied to aspects of his personal history and public biography. Liverpool John Moores University had previously cleared him of wrongdoing after conducting its own investigation.
The new independent review at Cambridge appears designed to be more comprehensive, incorporating an examination of "institutional processes and practice" within the university.