Professor Jason Arday was found unresponsive by family members, an inquest has heard.
London Inner South Coroner's Court was told on Wednesday that he was discovered at his home in Battersea, south London, on 14 August.
An investigation has been launched into his "unnatural death", the inquest heard.
The 41-year-old resigned from his post as professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge earlier this month.
It came after he faced scrutiny following accusations of plagiarism.
Senior coroner Dr Julian Morris said: "The various reports have given me reason to suspect that Professor Arday died an unnatural death 12 days ago.
"It therefore follows that I must open an investigation. I will be setting out further directions for the coroner officer."
Last week, Prof Arday's family thanked supporters after fundraiser donations passed £120,000.
His family told of their "shock" following his death and said he had faced a "campaign of misinformation".
In Dr Arday's resignation letter, he told colleagues: "While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement.
"The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love."
He said his resignation shouldn't "be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me".
Also last week, thousands attended a vigil for Prof Arday held in London's Trafalgar Square.
His supporters said the scrutiny he was under was linked to racism.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham had earlier called his death a "tragedy on so many levels".
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
(c) Sky News 2026: Jason Arday was found unresponsive by family members, inquest hears
Dozens of children who went missing from asylum hotels still unaccounted for years later
Actor Tim Curry, who starred in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died
AI helps perform brain surgery on British man in world first
Middlesbrough house fire: Victims named as woman and her niece - as two men arrested
Thunderstorms warning in force with threat of large hail, flash flooding and travel disruption across England and Wales
Two fires which destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge were started accidentally
King and Queen to visit Antigua and Barbuda during autumn tour
Boy, 15, arrested after teenager stabbed to death near Wembley Stadium
One in two Britons back Israeli settlement trade ban - regardless of who they vote for
