The University of Cambridge will conduct an independent investigation into the appointment and tenure of Jason Arday, its professor of the sociology of education, Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice has announced. The review, which will be led by senior academics from within and outside Cambridge, is set to commence as soon as possible.
Arday, 41, resigned from his position last week amid allegations of plagiarism and questions regarding his academic achievements. He became Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023. Arday has denied any plagiarism, stating that recent public attention has resulted in an "unrelenting level of public scrutiny and personal attack."
In a letter to university staff, Prentice acknowledged the "anger and anxiety around this damaging and difficult case" and stated that she shares the concerns that have been raised both within Cambridge and externally. "Our staff of colour are highly valued, for their scholarship, their achievements, and the contributions they make to the institution and the wider academic community," Prentice wrote. She added that the case "should not be used to cast aspersions on their work or the legitimacy of their roles at Cambridge."
The findings from this investigation will inform a broader review of the processes used for appointing senior academic roles at the university, according to a statement released Friday.