Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Cambridge's youngest Black professor Jason Arday resigns amid plagiarism row
A professor at one of the most famous universities in England has quit his job.
His name is Jason Arday, and he taught at the University of Cambridge.
When he was hired in 2023, he became the youngest Black professor Cambridge had ever had.
Some people said he copied other people's writing without permission, which is called plagiarism.
A magazine called Times Higher Education said it found copied parts in his school papers.
People also questioned whether he really raised as much charity money as his biography said.
His university started an investigation into his diplomas and honorary titles.
Arday said he is not a liar and that he was being attacked and watched too closely.
He said he needs time to heal and that he may return to his work one day.
Jason Arday, Cambridge's youngest Black professor, resigned with immediate effect amid a plagiarism row.
The University of Cambridge launched an inquiry into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments following new information.
Times Higher Education alleged in September 2025 that Arday plagiarised parts of his PhD thesis and several journal articles.
Arday acknowledged mistakes in his work but maintains he is not 'a liar,' citing relentless public scrutiny and personal attacks.
He stepped down from both the university and Jesus College, saying he will return once he has had time to heal.
- Who
- Prof Jason Arday, the University of Cambridge's youngest Black professor and Professor of Sociology of Education.
- What
- Arday resigned with immediate effect from Cambridge and Jesus College amid a plagiarism row and a university probe into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments.
- When
- The resignation was announced in a Wednesday statement; the plagiarism row erupted in September 2025.
- Where
- University of Cambridge and Jesus College, United Kingdom.
- Why
- He cited unrelenting public scrutiny and personal attacks since his appointment; Cambridge's inquiry followed new information about his credentials.
Critics' and investigators' account
Arday's account
Plagiarism allegations
Critics' and investigators' account
Times Higher Education alleged Arday plagiarised parts of his PhD thesis and several journal articles, including text he claimed came from personal interviews, and a reported 188-sentence plagiarism finding was made against him.
Arday's account
Arday acknowledged mistakes in his work but maintains he is not 'a liar,' insisting his resignation should not be mistaken for acceptance of the narratives surrounding him.
Reason for resignation
Critics' and investigators' account
Cambridge opened a formal investigation into his academic credentials and honorary appointments after new information emerged, while separate misconduct complaints remain ongoing.
Arday's account
Arday said he stepped away because of unrelenting public scrutiny and personal attack, that the personal cost had become too great, and that he plans to return after time to heal.
- Name
- Prof Jason Arday
- Role
- Professor of Sociology of Education, University of Cambridge
- Appointment
- Became Cambridge's youngest Black professor when appointed in 2023
- Resignation
- With immediate effect, from the university and Jesus College
- Main allegation
- Plagiarism of parts of his PhD thesis and several journal articles, alleged by Times Higher Education in September 2025
- Reported finding
- An 188-sentence plagiarism finding was reported against him
- Charity claims
- Biography claimed £5 million raised; a 2010 JustGiving page reportedly raised £6,285
- University action
- Formal inquiry into academic qualifications and honorary appointments; separate misconduct complaints ongoing