The University of Cambridge is launching a formal investigation into Professor Arday over claims he copied a colleague’s work and lied about his past. Critics have accused the 41-year-old of copying significant chunks of his PhD thesis from earlier research published by another student, leading him last week to admit to a series of errors in his work.
But he has insisted he is not a ‘liar and fantasist’ after doubts were raised about his seemingly sensational list of personal achievements, which included running 600 miles in six days and raising millions of pounds for charity.
Prof Jason Arday became a poster boy for diversity as the university’s youngest ever black professor, but is now facing questions about both his academic record and a series of dazzling anecdotes from his past. In a statement, the university said it had ‘begun an investigation following new information about Professor Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments’.
The University of Cambridge is launching a formal investigation into Professor Arday over claims he copied a colleague’s work and lied about his past
‘In order to ensure a fair process, we will not comment further until this has concluded,’ it added.
‘Separately, there remains a number of ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct, which are being handled in line with our Misconduct in Research policy. This is consistent with our previous statement on the matter.’
Claims about the provenance of his PhD paper were followed by doubts about his claim to have run 600 miles in six days, and personally raised millions of pounds for charity.
His boast that he appeared in the TV series Seven Up was also questioned, given it was first broadcast two decades before his birth in 1985.
And it was today reported that the professor falsely claimed to have written a book
The University of Cambridge added: ‘While we are fully aware of the public commentary and concerns around this matter, it remains vital that any process is thorough and adheres to both University policies and employment law.
‘We also fully recognise that there is a person at the centre of this situation, and we continue to provide support to him.
‘We are aware that Jesus College, Cambridge, will be taking their own steps in relation to some of these matters.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.