Can historically inaccurate movies still win Oscars?

Alex von Tunzelmann: Most of this year's Oscar contenders are based on historical events – and there are academics waiting to pounce on every slip-up and blunder. But there is more to a great movie than getting the facts straight

Top UK hackers compete for GCHQ-sponsored cybersecurity prize

GCHQ is sponsoring a hacking challenge, trying to attract articulate and talented hackers that can help fill a UK-wide skills gap in tech security. By Alex Hern

Twitter journal: would you share your original research on social media?

Will the launch of the first Twitter-only journal, publishing original peer-reviewed research direct to the reader, take off?

Hello Ruby kids’ coding book raises $185k (and counting) on Kickstarter

'I really thought this would be a little art project,' says Linda Liukas, after crowdfunding project beats original $10k goal. By Stuart Dredge

A working-class hero is something to be … but not in Britain’s posh culture

British culture was once open to 'messy kids' from secondary moderns. But if you want to make it in 21st century Britain, you'd best have a cut-glass accent and public school pedigree, writes Sean O'Hagan

Religious difference, not ideology, will fuel this century’s epic battles

Tony Blair: We must encourage education and tolerance if we are to bring about peace in the Middle East and the rest of the world

How to … design a student project that benefits the developing world

Can university projects provide valuable experience for students and sustainable solutions for poor communities? Keith Pullen explains how his engineering department meets both objectives

Engineering in higher education: a bright future? – live chat

Sponsored Q&A: join our online discussion on developing the next generation of engineers on 24 January, 12-2pm GMT

How to organise an academic conference – 10 tips

Be picky about your speakers and location, says Brian Lucey, and make sure you run to budget, time and free, working wifi

Europe needs to map its research base

Could a Europe-wide database of facilities and equipment help research, funding and policy challenges – and will you use it?

Leaving academia? How to sell yourself to new employers

If you fancy your chances at working in the private sector, here are some expert tips on how to translate your academic skills

Architecture in 2014: singing bins, talking pavements and skygardens

From crime-fighting lampposts to garden cities, Oliver Wainwright charts the architecture trends that await us in 2014

Unlocking chemistry: it’s time to make the subject as open as bioscience

Now that millions of patented compounds are open information, chemistry has a chance to catch up, says Peter Murray-Rust

DreamWorks to launch DreamTab Android tablet for children

Hollywood studio teams up with manufacturer Fuhu for device with education, animation and NFC gaming. By Stuart Dredge