LONDON — The University of Cambridge confirmed it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the appointment and tenure of Professor Jason Arday, who resigned this week after mounting scrutiny of his personal and professional claims.
Cambridge said the inquiry's findings will contribute to a broader review of its process for appointing senior academic staff. The university's research policy committee will also review its research misconduct policy.
Nearly 100 Cambridge academics rejected the university's initial response, saying a thorough and transparent investigation into the wider circumstances of this damaging episode is essential.
Professor Arday had been acclaimed as Cambridge's youngest Black professor three and a half years ago. His account of his life included claims of educational disadvantage, among them that he was unable to speak until the age of 11.
The academics sent a letter to Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice, who assumed the role in July 2023, after Arday's appointment. The letter highlighted what it called toxic and frequently racist commentary accompanying much of the online and media coverage.
Signatories include Suchitra Sebastian, a professor of physics; Mónica Figueroa, a professor of sociology; Timothy Gowers, a past winner of the Fields Medal for mathematics; Nicholas Guyatt, a professor of North American history; and Mary Laven, a professor of early modern history.
The academics argued that manifestly false claims have the potential to set back the modest progress Cambridge has made in addressing historical underrepresentation. They warned such events could deter future Black academics from applying to the university.
The letter asked Prentice to appoint an independent body comprising senior academics from within and beyond Cambridge to address the issues, and demanded a clear timeline and a commitment to share findings with the university and the public.
University sources said leaders had hoped Arday's resignation would conclude the controversy, but internal anger over the appointment process and concerns for Black staff persisted.
Cambridge said it will proceed with the investigation into Arday's appointment and tenure regardless of his resignation, with the aim of informing future hiring practices.
