Ghent University Suspends Researcher Linked to Plagiarism Allegations Against Late Professor Jason Arday

GHENT, Belgium – Ghent University has suspended a postdoctoral researcher who publicly accused the late British sociologist and former University of Cambridge professor, Jason Arday, of plagiarism, following the launch of a preliminary disciplinary investigation.

The university announced the decision on Thursday, saying the suspension was a precautionary measure pending the outcome of its investigation into the staff member’s conduct.

Although the institution did not identify the researcher by name, Nathan Cofnas confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had been suspended.

“I was just suspended by Ghent University. They will almost certainly fire me,” Cofnas wrote.

In a statement, Ghent University said it remained committed to academic freedom but stressed that such freedom must be exercised responsibly and in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of others.

“We attach great importance to academic freedom and to open academic debate, even when views are controversial. However, that freedom is not unlimited. It goes hand in hand with responsibility and may be restricted in order to protect the rights of others,” the university said in a joint statement by Rector Petra De Sutter and Vice-Rector Herwig Reynaert.

The suspension follows the death of Prof. Jason Arday, who was found dead last week at the age of 41 after weeks of intense public scrutiny over allegations that parts of his doctoral thesis contained plagiarised material and that aspects of his personal achievements had been overstated.

Arday, who had been diagnosed with autism and developmental challenges during childhood, consistently denied the allegations.

He resigned from his position as Professor of Sociology at the University of Cambridge on August 5, stating in his resignation letter that he had “reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure.”

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