Senior academics set out key questions Cambridge must answer over Jason Arday’s death

Letter from more than 40 signatories says university has backed away from promised thorough review of events before death

Senior Cambridge academics have criticised the university’s plans to investigate Prof Jason Arday’s death as inadequate, and said those responsible for “serious failures of leadership” should face consequences.

Arday died at his home in London on 14 August, nine days after he resigned amid allegations of plagiarism and inconsistencies in statements about his career.

Now, a letter signed by more than 40 professors, associate professors and fellows raises concern that Cambridge has backed away from initial promises by Deborah Prentice, the university’s vice-chancellor, to carry out a “thorough and transparent” examination of the circumstances that led to Arday’s appointment and treatment.

“The investigation must establish who authorised and directed the university’s public promotion of Professor Arday; what assessment was made of the risks that accompanied it; who authorised any legal or other communications with journalists investigating the story; what the university knew as racist and ableist abuse and media hounding escalated; and how responsibility for Professor Arday’s protection was allocated and exercised across the university,” the letter says.

The signatories included Cahir O’Kane, a professor of genetics; Caroline Bassett, a professor of digital humanities; Clair Wills, the King Edward VII professor of English literature; and Clément Mouhot, a professor of mathematical sciences.

The university has not yet named a chair for part two of the review, which it said would be “a broader review of institutional processes and practice” and only consider “the wider context” of Arday’s period at Cambridge, including general appraisals of recruitment and support available to academics facing media scrutiny.

The group behind the letter, which was also sent to Cambridge’s governing council, said the “scope and investigative character” of the second part of the review would be crucial in settling the decisions, structures and processes involved.

“The university should state clearly how responsibility will be acted upon if the review establishes serious failures of leadership or responsibility … Serious findings must have consequences for the individuals and offices responsible.

The University of Cambridge was approached for its response to the letter.

Arday denied the accusations of plagiarism but on 5 August Cambridge said it would open an investigation into his academic qualifications. Arday resigned hours later.

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