Cambridge probes plagiarism claims against professor
LONDON: Britain’s University of Cambridge said Wednesday it has launched a probe into one of its professors who has been engulfed by plagiarism accusations ahead of the release of his memoir.
The controversy around Jason Arday — who made headlines when the university appointed him as its youngest black professor in 2023 — has snowballed after allegations he plagiarised parts of his PhD thesis.
Questions have also emerged about some of his stated achievements, with Arday and his defenders claiming racism has motivated parts of the scrutiny.
“The University of Cambridge has begun an investigation following new information about Professor Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments,” it said in a statement.
“Separately, there remains (sic) a number of ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct, which are being handled in line with our misconduct in research policy.”
The storied British university noted it was “fully aware of the public commentary and concerns around this matter” while stressing its probe must be “thorough” and that it would “support” Arday.
In June, Cambridge had defended him, claiming “a vile campaign to undermine his credibility” and insisting plagiarism claims regarding his “thesis and journal publications” had been probed and dismissed by “the relevant institution” and journals.
It did not specify Wednesday what new information had prompted its investigation.
Separately, Cambridge’s Jesus College — where Arday is a fellow — said it was starting its own parallel probe.
“We recognize that this is a very difficult time for him and his family, and ask that they are treated with compassion and respect,” a spokesperson added.
