Ghent professors challenged expertise of Jason Arday’s plagiarism accuser
Allegations Nathan Cofnas was unqualified for Ghent role and would cause ‘negative impact’ made to senior leaders months ago
TL;DR
- Ghent University professors have accused Nathan Cofnas of having "very limited expertise" and a "far-right agenda" for his postdoctoral research role.
- These concerns were raised with university officials months before Jason Arday, the Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism by Cofnas, died.
- Cofnas's online activity reportedly promotes pseudoscientific racial differences.
- Ghent's philosophy department stated it was "improbable" Cofnas was the best candidate, citing a lack of expertise in relevant subjects and his publication record.
- Ghent University has suspended Cofnas pending a "preliminary investigation", stating academic freedom is not unlimited.
- Jason Arday died by suicide after facing media scrutiny following Cofnas's plagiarism allegations.
- A fund has been set up to support Arday's family, with over £224,000 raised.