Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Shares Concerns Over Jason Arday Appointment

Professor Deborah Prentice, the vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, has addressed the worries surrounding Jason Arday's resignation due to plagiarism claims. In a letter to staff, she revealed that an independent inquiry into Arday's appointment and time at the university in 2022 will be conducted by senior academics. Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, refutes the plagiarism allegations, suggesting they stem from personal attacks and highlighting a lack of proper supervision linked to his autism and learning disabilities. Liverpool John Moores University previously examined his PhD and found no evidence of plagiarism. Prentice reiterated the importance of staff of colour and noted that the investigation's outcomes will influence future senior academic appointments. Arday has also worked at Durham University and the University of Glasgow, having been a PE teacher prior.