Ghent University in Belgium suspends Nathan Cofnas, a US academic and postdoctoral researcher, who publicizes allegations that former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday committed plagiarism. Arday resigned over the controversy and is reported dead last week, after which the case drew widespread media attention.
Ghent University says it has suspended Cofnas pending an investigation, according to multiple outlets. The university’s statement does not necessarily restate the underlying accusations in detail, but confirms the suspension and the existence of an inquiry. Reports also note that Cofnas posted on social media that he expects to be dismissed, and that he describes himself as a “race realist” and had previously been dismissed from a Cambridge role.
Across outlets, the central points are consistent: the suspension is linked to Cofnas’s role in bringing forward the plagiarism claims about Arday, and the action is temporary while Ghent University investigates. Coverage varies mainly in emphasis, with some highlighting Cofnas’s personal background and statements about his likely fate.
