Forty academics from the University of Cambridge have expressed concerns that the independent inquiry into the death of Jason Arday may fail to address critical issues related to his appointment and the circumstances preceding his death. In a letter sent to Lord Smith of Finsbury, the university’s chancellor, and members of the university council, the group urged for a comprehensive investigation that establishes a clear chain of responsibility.

Arday, who became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023 at age 37, resigned from his position in August following allegations of plagiarism, which he denied. Nine days after stepping down, he was found dead at his home in London on August 14.

The inquiry, announced last month by Cambridge’s vice-chancellor, Deborah Prentice, is structured as a two-part review with defined terms of reference intended to examine the events surrounding Arday’s resignation and death. While the academics welcomed the added detail in the inquiry’s framework, they argued that significant and foundational questions remain unresolved.

In their letter, the academics emphasized that the current scope and governance of the inquiry may not enable a full accounting of institutional responsibility. They stressed the importance of ensuring that the review examines all relevant decisions and actions taken after Arday’s appointment, particularly those that may have contributed to the situation leading to his death.

Cambridge University has been contacted for comment regarding the academics’ concerns but has not yet responded.