Professor
Jason Arday
Professor of Sociology of Education at University of Cambridge
Education
Professor Jason Arday is a social commentator, presenter, and public speaker. He is currently the 2002 Professorial Chair of Education (Sociology of Education) at the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education. He has previously held Professorial posts at the University of Glasgow and the University of Durham.
At three years old, Jason was diagnosed with global development delay and autism. He did not speak until he was eleven and could not read or write until he was eighteen years old. His Professorial appointment in May 2021 at the University of Glasgow made him the youngest Professor in the UK aged 35. In March 2023, he became the youngest-ever Black academic to hold a Professorship at Cambridge and one of the youngest academics ever appointed to a Professorial Chair in Oxbridge’s history.
Throughout his career, he has campaigned tirelessly for policymakers to actively commit more funds to developing better mechanisms of support for the neurodivergent and disabled community.
Jason has raised over £5 million pounds for charity over an 18 year period for over 80 national charities.
“It is an honour to be part of the Disability Power 2023. These exceptional people have made the most outstanding contributions to society. To be listed alongside such esteemed people, is truly one of the greatest honours of my life. Always remember… everything is possible, with humility, faith, love and hope.”
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Image credit: This Morning (ITV)
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