Professor Jason Arday, who made history in 2023 as Cambridge's youngest Black professor, has resigned from his position at the University of Cambridge. His resignation came on Wednesday after the university confirmed it had opened an inquiry into his 'academic qualifications and honorary appointments'.
Investigation triggered by new information
The investigation was launched after the university received 'new information' relating to Professor Arday. The university also stated that separate complaints concerning alleged academic misconduct were being handled under its research misconduct procedures. A university spokesperson said: 'Separately, there remains a number of ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct, which are being handled in line with our misconduct in research policy.'
The move follows a series of reports alleging that parts of his PhD thesis and other academic work had been plagiarised. Questions were also raised about claims he ran 600 miles in six days and raised £5.5 million for charity.
Arday's response to scrutiny
In a letter to colleagues published by the Good Law Project, Professor Arday said the intense public scrutiny had become overwhelming. He wrote: 'While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement. The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love.'
Explaining his decision to leave, he added: 'The only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away. This decision should not be interpreted as a loss of faith in scholarship or in the values that first brought me to Cambridge. Nor should it be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me. It is simply the decision of someone who has reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure.'
Jesus College's separate process
Jesus College, where Professor Arday was a fellow, also said it had begun its own investigation process. In a statement, the college confirmed it was looking into the allegations independently.
Meanwhile, an open letter organised by the Good Law Project supporting Professor Arday has been signed by nearly 16,000 people, including MPs, Lords, and academics, as well as Green Party leader Zack Polanski. The letter expresses support for Arday and questions the nature of the allegations against him.
Upcoming memoir
Later this month, Professor Arday's memoir, Great And Unfortunate Things, is due to be published. In promotional material for the book, he described how he was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, learned to speak at the age of 11, and read and write at 18 before later earning a PhD. His resignation comes just weeks before the book's release, adding a new layer of public interest to the story.
