Inquest begins into death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday

An inquest has formally begun into the death of Jason Arday, the Cambridge University professor who made history as one of the youngest Black scholars to attain a full professorship at the prestigious institution.

Arday was widely respected in academic circles for his work on race, inequality and education, and had spoken publicly about his experiences navigating academia as a Black scholar.

The inquest is expected to hear evidence from witnesses and those close to him over the coming days, as a coroner seeks to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, students and public figures, who praised his intellectual contributions and his advocacy for greater diversity in higher education.