UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for “reflection” following the death of Jason Arday, the former Cambridge University professor whose career came under intense scrutiny over allegations of plagiarism and questions about some of his academic and personal claims.
Arday, 41, was found dead in south London on Friday, just days after resigning from Cambridge University and his fellowship at Jesus College amid investigations into allegations surrounding his academic work.
His family said he had endured what they described as a sustained campaign of abuse and harassment for more than three years, dating back to his appointment at Cambridge. They described him as a gentle man who always sought to see the best in people.
Arday became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023 after being appointed Professor of Sociology of Education at the age of 37. His academic career had attracted widespread attention because of his achievements despite significant challenges during childhood.
Speaking to reporters, Burnham described Arday’s death as “a tragedy on so many levels” and urged people not to rush to judgment.
“It’s a moment for reflection… reflecting on how things came to this,” he said.
The controversy surrounding Arday intensified in July after allegations emerged that parts of his doctoral thesis had been copied from other works. His academic record, publications and some claims about his personal achievements subsequently came under further scrutiny.
Arday denied accusations that he was a liar or fantasist but acknowledged making mistakes in his academic work. Cambridge had launched an investigation into his academic credentials before his resignation.
His family has blamed what it described as misinformation and sustained harassment, while some campaigners and academics have argued that racism and hostility towards diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives played a role in the intense scrutiny he faced.
However, the allegations and counterclaims remain contested, and no formal finding had been made against Arday before his death.
The Metropolitan Police said his death was unexpected but was not being treated as suspicious, with a file being prepared for the coroner to determine the cause of death.
Tributes have since been paid to Arday, with flowers and messages left outside Cambridge University. Vigils are also expected to take place in London as colleagues, friends and supporters remember the academic whose rise to the Cambridge professorship had made him a prominent figure in British higher education.
