Glasgow University to Review Hiring of Former Professor Amid Plagiarism Allegations

The University of Glasgow has commissioned a review of the appointment of former professor Jason Arday, who left his post at Cambridge after allegations that his PhD thesis and other research contained plagiarised material. Arday, who taught sociology of education at Glasgow from January 2022 to March 2023 before moving to Cambridge, resigned on Wednesday as the university began probing his academic qualifications and honorary roles.

Glasgow’s principal ordered the review to establish the facts and identify any lessons to be learned. Cambridge confirmed it will keep investigating the circumstances of Arday’s appointment and tenure, stating that the findings will inform a broader review of senior-role hiring processes.

Dozens of academics have signed a letter calling for an independent inquiry into the appointment, arguing that the resignation does not conclude the matter. Prof. Priyamvada Gopal, one of the signatories, said, "We're saying that the resignation is not the end of the story, that there are potential mistakes and missteps made by the university that need to be investigated."

A Cambridge professor of postcolonial studies added, "This cannot be a case of the university marking its own homework. We are absolutely clear that the investigation needs to be independent, not in the university's own hands, and needs to be completely transparent and accountable to the Cambridge community."

Arday’s resignation followed media reports questioning the authenticity of his PhD work and other claims, such as a 600-mile run in six days and raising £5.5 million for charity. In his open resignation letter, posted on the Good Law Project website, he wrote that stepping down was the only way to end the episode and that the decision should not be seen as a loss of faith in scholarship.

The Metropolitan Police also faced criticism for its handling of a harassment complaint lodged by a Times Higher Education journalist who had contacted Arday with questions. Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged the force had "dropped the ball" on that case.