The University of Cambridge professor at the centre of a plagiarism row has resigned "with immediate effect".<\/p>\n
Prof Jason Arday said he had "concluded that the only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away".<\/p>\n
Earlier, the university said it had launched an investigation "following new information" about Arday's "academic qualifications and honorary appointments".<\/p>\n
It comes after another academic – self-defined "race realist" Nathan Cofnas, who was sacked from his Cambridge role in 2024 – said he found numerous instances of plagiarism in Arday's work and questioned some of his stated achievements. The academic has admitted errors in his work, but has insisted he is not "a liar".<\/p>\n
In a statement posted by the Good Law Project on Wednesday, Arday said that being appointed professor had been "without question, the greatest professional privilege of my life".<\/p>\n
"The years since my appointment have also been marked by an unrelenting level of public scrutiny and personal attack," he said, adding "there comes a point when the personal cost becomes too great".<\/p>\n
He said his resignation should not "be interpreted as a loss of faith in scholarship or in the values that first brought me to Cambridge.<\/p>\n
"Nor should it be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me."<\/p>\n
Thanking his students and colleagues, he said that "for my own wellbeing, for my family, and for those who have stood by me throughout this difficult period, I have concluded that the only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away".<\/p>\n
Arday said "this is not the end of my work" and that he needed "time to heal".<\/p>\n
"When that time comes, I will return," he added.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Wednesday, the university said its inquiry had begun "following new information" about Arday's "academic qualifications and honorary appointments".<\/p>\n
It added that there remained "a number of ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct".<\/p>\n
In its statement, the University of Cambridge said: "While we are fully aware of the public commentary and concerns around this matter, it remains vital that any process is thorough and adheres to both university policies and employment law.<\/p>\n
"We also fully recognise that there is a person at the centre of this situation, and we continue to provide support to him."<\/p>\n