The academic Jason Arday, who resigned from his post at the University of Cambridge after being at the centre of a high-profile plagiarism row, has been found dead, according to media reports this evening (August 14).
Police statement
The Metropolitan Police said a man, 41, has died after being found unresponsive at an address in south London on Friday, amid reports of the death of Jason Arday, who resigned as a University of Cambridge professor following a plagiarism row.
It comes after a series of media reports, including a story in the Daily Telegraph, alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis and other research. He resigned from his post - at which he had been the university's youngest ever Black professor - on August 5.
Resignation statement
In his statement, he said: "It is with profound sadness that I write to resign, with immediate effect, from my position at the University of Cambridge and Jesus College."
"When I accepted the extraordinary honour of becoming Professor of Sociology at Cambridge, it was, without question, the greatest professional privilege of my life."
"To become the youngest Black professor in the University’s history was something I could scarcely have imagined as a child growing up with a diagnosis of autism, unable to speak until I was eleven years old."
"The response from so many people across the world was overwhelming. Thousands celebrated not simply my appointment, but what it represented: that talent, perseverance and hope can triumph over even the greatest adversity."
"It has been the privilege of my life to teach my students, to learn alongside them, and to witness their curiosity, kindness and ambition. They have given me far more than I could ever have given them."
"Sadly, the years since my appointment have also been marked by an unrelenting level of public scrutiny and personal attack. 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."
University investigation
On the same day the University of Cambridge confirmed he had been placed under investigation. A statement from the university said the inquiry into Professor Jason Arday, a professor of sociology of education who became its youngest black professor in 2023, has begun “following new information”.
The university – which consistently ranks at the top of higher education league tables – said the inquiry would examine his “academic qualifications and honorary appointments”.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the university said: “The University of Cambridge has begun an investigation following new information about Professor Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments. In order to ensure a fair process, we will not comment further until this has concluded.
“Separately, there remains a number of ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct, which are being handled in line with our misconduct in research policy. This is consistent with our previous statement on the matter.
“While we are fully aware of the public commentary and concerns around this matter, it remains vital that any process is thorough and adheres to both university policies and employment law.
“We also fully recognise that there is a person at the centre of this situation and we continue to provide support to him.
“We are aware that Jesus College, Cambridge, will be taking their own steps in relation to some of these matters.”
