Ex-Cambridge professor Jason Arday found dead after plagiarism row

The Story in Brief

Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, 41, was found unresponsive at a south London address on Friday afternoon and pronounced dead at the scene, the Metropolitan Police said. His death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. Arday resigned earlier this month over allegations of plagiarism that he denied, though he acknowledged errors. The controversy began after Nathan Cofnas, a former Cambridge academic who describes himself as a "race realist," alleged multiple instances of plagiarism. Cambridge vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said the university was "desperately saddened."

Arday became Cambridge's youngest ever black professor when appointed in 2023. In his resignation statement, he said the "relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary" had taken a "profound toll." Cambridge announced it would investigate Arday's appointment and tenure as part of a wider review of hiring processes. Some critics argued the scrutiny was motivated by racism, while others said the plagiarism allegations were legitimate.