Jason Arday, ex-Cambridge professor at centre of plagiarism scandal, found dead
Jason Arday, a 41-year-old academic and the youngest black professor at the University of Cambridge, was confirmed deceased on Friday following a serious plagiarism controversy. The Metropolitan Police discovered his body in south London, although they initially withheld his identity. Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice expressed profound sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to Arday's family and friends. The backlash stemmed from allegations that Arday had plagiarized sections of his PhD thesis. This incident gained traction in the UK press, particularly among right-wing outlets, which insinuated that diversity programs granted him undue advantages.
Key facts
- Jason Arday, former Cambridge professor, found dead on Friday.
- He resigned from the University of Cambridge last week amid plagiarism allegations.
- Arday was 41 years old.
- He was found unresponsive at an address in south London.
- Metropolitan Police Service did not confirm the identity of the deceased.
- Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice expressed condolences.
- Arday became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023.
- Allegations of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis were made by academics and media.
- Right-wing newspapers and commentators claimed he benefited from DEI policies.
Entities
Artists
- Jason Arday
Institutions
- University of Cambridge
- Metropolitan Police Service
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom