The ups and downs of the research process underlie every scientific publication, yet rarely make it into the final paper. A new collection, “Conservation Stories from the Front Lines,” publishing between 5-7 February in the open access journal PLOS Biology, captures the long-neglected human side of science by entering the tragedy, comedy, and (mis)adventures that shape research into the scientific record as peer-reviewed scientific stories. The stories come from scientists working to manage and preserve biodiversity, and offer a new way to engage diverse audiences in today’s pressing scientific issues.