Cambridge Professor Jason Arday Faces Plagiarism Allegations

Jason Arday, aged 37, became the University of Cambridge's youngest Black professor of sociology in 2023. He has also claimed extraordinary long‑distance running feats, such as completing 600 miles in six days.

University investigations have now accused Arday of plagiarising large portions of his 2015 PhD thesis, with material overlapping a Brunel University dissertation by Paula Zwozdiak‑Myers. Similar concerns have been raised about several of his journal articles, prompting publishers to issue correction notices.

The controversy has sparked a broader debate over diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in UK academia. Some senior scholars, including Professor Sir Simon Baron‑Cohen, have defended Arday, while the university has described the allegations as part of a "vile campaign" aimed at undermining his credibility.