Cambridge professor Jason Arday quits amid plagiarism allegations

What the report says

Jason Arday has resigned from his post as professor of sociology at the University of Cambridge and from his fellowship at Jesus College, after the university said it had received new information prompting another inquiry into his qualifications and honorary appointments. According to Al Jazeera, he stepped down with immediate effect on August 5, 2026, following months of scrutiny over his academic record and public claims.

Arday, who was appointed in 2023 and was described as the youngest Black professor in Cambridge’s history, said the pressure around the allegations had become unsustainable. In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, he said the public criticism and speculation had taken a toll on him and his family. He has denied wrongdoing and previously pointed to an investigation by Liverpool John Moores University, which did not uphold plagiarism allegations related to his doctorate, instead describing the issues as an honest error.

The Cambridge announcement comes alongside an existing academic misconduct review, and Jesus College said it would also begin its own inquiry. The article notes that media reports have questioned parts of Arday’s writings, credentials and some personal claims, while supporters have argued that he has faced an unfair campaign. The resignation also puts the planned release of his memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things, into uncertainty. More broadly, the case has drawn attention because it involves a high-profile academic appointment and raises questions about vetting, reputational harm and how universities respond to challenged qualifications.