Cambridge University launches review into Jason Arday appointment

Cambridge University has launched an independent, two-phase review into its handling of the appointment and subsequent resignation of Professor Jason Arday. The inquiry follows allegations of plagiarism and questions regarding Arday’s academic credentials, which preceded his death in August at age 41.

The first phase of the review will be led by Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor, and will focus on the support, interventions, and protections provided to Arday prior to his death. The second phase will evaluate broader institutional practices, including senior staff recruitment, mentoring, and the university’s management of research misconduct allegations.

While the review examines institutional processes, public debate continues regarding the nature of the similarities between passages in Arday’s doctoral thesis and the work of other students. The university stated that this inquiry is separate from the ongoing inquest into Arday’s death in London.