Academic Who Accused Late Cambridge Professor Of Plagiarism Suspended
Nathan Cofnas, the academic who made plagiarism allegations against late University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, has been suspended by Ghent University in Belgium, where he works as a postdoctoral researcher.
Cofnas confirmed the development in posts on X on Thursday, saying the university was investigating him over alleged discrimination against Arday.
“I was just suspended by Ghent University. They will almost certainly fire me,” he wrote.
The university confirmed that Cofnas had been suspended as a precaution while it conducts a preliminary disciplinary investigation into his conduct.
Ghent University said it supports academic freedom and open debate but stressed that such freedom comes with responsibilities and does not override the rights of others.
The development follows the death of Arday, 41, who was found dead in Battersea, south London, shortly after resigning from his Cambridge position amid controversy over plagiarism allegations made against him.
The allegations against Arday were never proven in a formal investigation.
Arday became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023.
His resignation and the subsequent controversy sparked widespread criticism of the handling and coverage of the allegations.
Cambridge Chancellor Chris Smith previously described the situation as a “racist feeding frenzy.”
Ghent University said it would assess whether there were sufficient grounds to refer Cofnas’ case to its competent disciplinary body, adding that it would not pre-empt any decision while the investigation is ongoing.
Follow us for more news updates…
Author
