The University of Cambridge will conduct a review of its processes for appointing senior academics following the resignation of Professor Jason Arday, who stepped down amid allegations of plagiarism.
University officials confirmed that the investigation into Arday's tenure would inform a broader review of how senior academic roles are filled. Arday resigned on Wednesday after Cambridge announced it had opened an investigation into "new information" concerning his academic qualifications.
In a statement, the university said it would continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Arday's appointment and tenure. "The findings will feed into a review of the process for the appointment of senior academic roles," the statement read. Additionally, the university's research policy committee will examine its Misconduct in Research policy.
The scandal has prompted internal criticism, with some Cambridge academics arguing that Arday's appointment "went very badly wrong" and that university management should be held accountable. A letter circulating among Cambridge colleges, signed by senior faculty members, is calling for an independent inquiry into the processes that led to Arday's appointment, seeking to move the investigation outside the university's direct purview.
Accusations have surfaced that Cambridge prioritized diversity and inclusion over academic rigor, potentially using Arday as a means to enhance staff diversity, which critics suggest has damaged the university's global reputation.
Professor Priyamvada Gopal, an English faculty professor, expressed skepticism about the university's decision to conduct an internal review, stating, "This requires accountability now from those responsible, not a cover-up." She also suggested that the university may have been tempted to "cut corners on the hard work of fostering equality and inclusion" when Arday was appointed three years ago.
Further details emerged regarding Professor Hilary Cremin, head of the faculty of education at Cambridge, who reportedly offered Professor Arday "full support" after two academics raised concerns about his work. Emails indicate that Cremin appeared to downplay evidence presented to her in 2023 concerning alleged plagiarism. Two months prior to this, she had publicly praised Arday, saying, "We are so lucky to have you. You are the best in the world in terms of the research that you do."
The concerns were initially raised by Dr. David Harris, an academic at Plymouth Marjon University, and Professor Martyn Hammersley, a sociologist at the Open University. Harris had identified similarities between a 2018 paper by Arday and a study by epidemiologist Anjum Memon.
In an email response to Harris and Hammersley, Professor Cremin stated that she had met with Arday, who had agreed to temporarily remove the 2018 article to address concerns. She noted that Arday had spoken about his experiences with racism and difficult personal circumstances during the period the article was prepared, adding that the university "remain[s] immensely proud of Prof Arday's achievements and scholarship, and … he has our full support."
Professor Hammersley responded that he did not consider the matter resolved, suggesting a "systematic investigation of Professor Arday's other publications" was necessary. He viewed Arday's decision to withdraw the article as an indication that the plagiarism claims were substantiated.
Professor Arday, 41, was appointed to a professorship in the faculty of education. He was selected by an independent board of electors chaired by Baroness Morgan of Huyton. Professor Harris reported Arday to the police for harassment after subsequent emails, a complaint that Devon and Cornwall Police declined to pursue.
Arday had also filed a harassment complaint against a journalist investigating his record. Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, acknowledged that the force "dropped the ball" in its handling of that investigation.
Cambridge began its investigation into Arday due to "new information" regarding his "academic qualifications and honorary appointments." The investigation will proceed despite his resignation. Neither Baroness Morgan nor other members of the selection panel have commented on the basis of Arday's appointment.