Cambridge reviews academic appointments following allegations of plagiarism against a professor

The University of Cambridge has announced a review of its procedures for appointing academic staff following the case of Jason Arday, who in 2023 became the youngest Black tenured professor in the university’s history, but who stepped down from his chair in sociology following allegations of plagiarism concerning his doctoral thesis and academic qualifications. The university has therefore stated that, “regardless” of Arday’s resignation, it will continue “to investigate the circumstances surrounding his appointment and his tenure”.

The findings of the internal investigation “will inform the review of the process for appointing the most senior academic roles”. Arday had faced allegations of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis, but an investigation by Liverpool John Moores University (which had awarded him the degree in 2015) had ruled out any irregularities, describing it as an “honest and reasonable mistake”. Cambridge had nevertheless decided to launch an internal investigation after receiving “new information” regarding honorary titles and appointments awarded to the professor, including temporary teaching posts that had never been confirmed by the universities concerned. Arday, who had become a symbol of diversity and a child prodigy of sociology, had, amongst other things, found himself in the crosshairs of a targeted witch-hunt by the press and right-wing pundits in Britain.

Some of his colleagues, such as Priyamvada Gopal, a lecturer in postcolonial studies, have called for an independent inquiry into the Arday case, involving external academics as well, given the risk of “enormous reputational damage” to the university.