Professor Jason Arday has resigned from the University of Cambridge with immediate effect as the institution investigates allegations relating to his academic qualifications, honorary appointments and claims of academic misconduct.
Cambridge confirmed on Wednesday that it had launched a formal inquiry after receiving what it described as “new information” concerning Arday’s academic credentials and honorary appointments.
Arday, who made history in 2023 as Cambridge’s youngest Black professor, acknowledged that there were errors in some of his academic work but denied deliberately misrepresenting his qualifications or career achievements.
In a statement released through the Good Law Project, Arday said he chose to step down after enduring what he described as “unrelenting public scrutiny and personal attacks.”
Describing his appointment at Cambridge as “the greatest professional privilege” of his career, he said the personal toll of the controversy had become too great.
“For my own wellbeing, for my family, and for those who have stood by me throughout this difficult period, I have concluded that the only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away,” he said.
Arday stressed that his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing, adding that he intends to return to academic work after taking time to recover.
The controversy escalated following reports questioning aspects of Arday’s academic record, including allegations that portions of his doctoral thesis contained material closely resembling previously published works.
The claims were first made publicly by US researcher Nathan Cofnas, who alleged that plagiarism-detection software identified passages in Arday’s thesis that closely matched existing sources.
Responding to the allegations, Arday admitted mistakes in his academic work but rejected accusations of dishonesty.
“What I am not is a liar,” he told The Times.
He also alleged that he had been the target of a coordinated campaign aimed at removing him from Cambridge, suggesting that some of the criticism was influenced by opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Arday added that his autism contributed to some of the errors in his early academic writing.
Beyond the plagiarism allegations, questions have also been raised about claims relating to Arday’s charitable endurance challenges and fundraising activities.
Arday defended his record, explaining that the reported £5 million raised for charity was achieved collectively with others over two decades, while clarifying details surrounding one of his long-distance treadmill challenges.
Cambridge said the latest investigation is separate from existing complaints being examined under its research misconduct procedures. The university stated that the inquiry would be conducted in line with its policies and employment regulations.
Jesus College, where Arday is a fellow, has also begun a parallel review.
Meanwhile, publisher Simon & Schuster reaffirmed its support for Arday ahead of the release of his memoir later this month, describing him as professional and expressing confidence in its decision to publish his work.
The Metropolitan Police also confirmed it had investigated a journalist following a harassment complaint linked to enquiries made to Arday. The force later concluded that no offence had been committed and acknowledged that advising the journalist not to contact Arday had been inappropriate and could have interfered with legitimate journalistic activity.
