Cambridge professor resigns amid CV and plagiarism scrutiny

Queen’s University Belfast is investigating a 2021 paper co-authored by Professor Jason Arday after allegations concerning his CV and possible plagiarism emerged; Arday has resigned from roles at the University of Cambridge and denied lying about his achievements.

The paper, titled Attempting to break the chain: Reimaging inclusive pedagogy and decolonising the curriculum within the academy, examined how university teaching affects Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) learners and academics of colour and is published on Queen’s academic research platform, the university said.

Queen’s said it is liaising with other UK universities while looking into the matter. The work argued that the centrality of whiteness in curricula excludes particular types of knowledge and called for changes to make university syllabuses more inclusive and less Eurocentric.

Parts of the paper draw on interviews with students and staff. One female student described as “mixed-heritage” said the curriculum is “very white and in many respects quite exclusionary,” while a Black male student said discussing race and decolonising the curriculum is “really difficult… especially in a classroom space.”

A University of Cambridge-related statement within the reporting noted that a group of academics has requested an independent investigation into Arday’s appointment there, and several universities have since denied he held roles he listed on his CV. Arday has acknowledged errors in his work but denied plagiarism and said his autism and lack of early supervision may have contributed to mistakes.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The available reporting indicates Queen’s University Belfast has opened a formal review of a 2021 co-authored paper amid wider concerns about Professor Jason Arday’s CV and academic conduct, while Arday has stepped down from Cambridge positions and disputed allegations.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Queen’s University Belfast is investigating a 2021 paper co-authored by Jason Arday.
• Arday resigned from University of Cambridge roles and has denied lying about his achievements.
• The paper calls for decolonising curricula and includes student and staff interview excerpts about exclusion in university teaching.