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Academics demand independent inquiry into Cambridge professor's plagiarism claims
A group of academics has urged an independent investigation into the appointment of Prof Jason Arday, a University of Cambridge scholar who resigned following allegations of plagiarism and exaggerated CV claims. Priyamvada Gopal, a postcolonial studies professor at Cambridge, highlighted the university's reputational damage from the controversy, urging action beyond internal reviews. The dispute centres on Arday's academic credentials, with critics accusing him of fabricating or overstating his achievements. While Cambridge has launched an investigation into new allegations about his qualifications, academics argue that the process must involve external experts to ensure impartiality. Nathan Cofnas, a US researcher who initially raised plagiarism concerns, cited software findings indicating copied sections in Arday's PhD dissertation. Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded his PhD, dismissed these claims as likely errors. The controversy has sparked debates about racial bias in academic scrutiny, with Arday denying both plagiarism and unfair treatment. Calls for transparency extend to reviewing whether the university influenced media coverage of the allegations, following a Metropolitan Police investigation into harassment complaints against a journalist. The BBC is seeking comments from Cambridge and LJMU.
