Former Cambridge Professor Jason Arday Dies After Resigning Over Academic Controversy

Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday, 41, has been found dead at his London home days after resigning amid allegations over plagiarism and academic credentials.

Arday, 41, was pronounced dead after emergency services were called to the property on Friday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police said.

Police said his death was unexpected but not believed to be suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Arday became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor when he was appointed professor of sociology of education in 2023. His appointment attracted widespread attention because of his reported journey through childhood challenges and into academia.

However, his career came under increasing scrutiny after allegations that parts of his PhD thesis had been plagiarised. Arday denied the allegations, while an investigation by Liverpool John Moores University upheld its decision to award him the doctorate.

Further questions were later raised over claims about his academic career, sporting achievements and charity fundraising.

Cambridge announced last week that it would investigate new information concerning Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments, as well as complaints of alleged academic misconduct. He resigned shortly afterwards, saying he had reached the limits of what he could reasonably be expected to endure.

In his resignation statement, Arday maintained that his decision should not be interpreted as accepting the allegations against him.

His family said he had endured a prolonged campaign of abuse and misinformation, describing him as a “gentle man” and expressing shock over his death.

Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said the university was “desperately saddened” by Arday’s death and extended condolences to his family and friends.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his academic appointments remain ongoing.