University of Cambridge professor at centre of plagiarism row resigns
Prof Jason Arday said he had "concluded that the only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away".
By BBC News
The University of Cambridge professor at the centre of a plagiarism row has resigned with immediate effect. Prof Jason Arday said he had “concluded that the only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away”.
The BBC reports that Cambridge had launched an investigation “following new information” about Arday’s academic qualifications and honorary appointments. The university’s move came after allegations from another academic, Nathan Cofnas, who questioned Arday’s work and some of the achievements listed in his background.
In a statement posted by the Good Law Project on Wednesday, Arday said being appointed professor had been “without question, the greatest professional privilege of my life”. He said his resignation should not be read as “a loss of faith in scholarship” or as acceptance of the claims made against him.
Arday also thanked his students and colleagues, saying he was stepping away for his own wellbeing, for his family and for those who had supported him during what he called a difficult period. The BBC said there were also “a number of ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct”.