Cambridge launches independent probe into Jason Arday appointment

The University of Cambridge has announced a thorough and transparent independent investigation into the appointment and tenure of Professor Jason Arday, who resigned last week amid a controversy over his academic credentials and biographical claims. The inquiry, to be conducted by senior academics from within and beyond the university, will examine the circumstances of his hiring by the Faculty of Education in 2022 and his subsequent time at Cambridge.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice confirmed the investigation in a letter to staff, acknowledging the "anger and anxiety around this damaging and difficult case." She stated the findings would inform a review of the process for appointing senior academic roles, noting that such appointments are currently led at the department level. Prentice emphasized that the investigation should be "thorough and transparent" and would begin "as soon as possible."

Arday, 41, was appointed as a professor of sociology of education in 2023, becoming Cambridge's youngest Black professor. He resigned from his professorship and his fellowship at Jesus College following intense scrutiny. The controversy began with allegations of plagiarism in...