Key facts
- The University of Cambridge will review its process for appointing senior academics.
- The review follows the resignation of education professor Jason Arday amid plagiarism allegations.
- Arday also faced accusations of fabricating or exaggerating elements of his CV.
- Academics have called for an independent investigation into Arday's appointment.
- Liverpool John Moores University previously dismissed plagiarism allegations related to Arday's PhD.
- Arday has defended himself, attributing potential errors to autism and lack of supervision.
The University of Cambridge is initiating a review of its senior academic appointment processes in the wake of Professor Jason Arday's resignation. Arday stepped down amid significant controversy surrounding allegations of plagiarism and fabrications on his curriculum vitae.
Cambridge stated that findings from an ongoing investigation into Arday's academic qualifications and appointments will inform the new review. This move comes after a group of academics, including Professor Priyamvada Gopal, called for an independent inquiry, warning of "massive reputational damage" to the university. Gopal expressed concern that the university might attempt to "sweep this under the carpet" and emphasized the need for an external investigation.
The allegations of plagiarism in Arday's doctoral dissertation were initially highlighted by US researcher Nathan Cofnas. However, Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded the PhD, stated it had investigated the claims last year and dismissed them as likely "honest and reasonable error," maintaining that Arday's PhD "still stands."
Further scrutiny has focused on Arday's subsequent academic articles and claimed achievements, with several universities denying he held positions listed on his CV. Arday has acknowledged errors but denied plagiarism, attributing potential mistakes to his autism and insufficient supervision. He has also asserted that his resignation should not be interpreted as an acceptance of what he describes as "racially motivated" narratives surrounding him.
The controversy has also involved legal and police action, with the Metropolitan Police investigating a reporter over harassment allegations related to Arday's plagiarism claims. The Met later apologized for the investigation, deeming it should have been "screened out earlier."
Meanwhile, Arday's memoir, "Great and Unfortunate Things," is slated for publication by Simon & Schuster, despite reported discrepancies between an advance copy and the book's original proposal. Publisher Simon & Schuster plans to proceed with the publication.