In this special issue titled “Veteran Refections,” renowned social justice scholars assess the current state of justice research and provide valuable guidance to the younger generation of researchers. Their responses unveil a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives, with a recurring theme emphasizing the urgent need to apply scientifc knowledge to real-world contexts and expand theoretical frameworks to address evolving societal challenges. These collective refections hold immense value for justice scholars, ofering indispensable guidance on making impactful contributions to the feld. They emphasize the importance of embracing interdisciplinary approaches, engaging wider audiences, and fostering an authentic curiosity in research. As the feld of social justice research evolves, these profound insights will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory and advancing the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Inspired by the veteran responses, we, as Editors-in-Chief of SJR, share our refections on the vital aspect of scientifc work—contribution. We introduce the concept of “scientifc littering,” enumerating ten categories of non-contribution. Highlighting the pivotal role of research questions, we challenge the notion of novelty as the sole component of contribution. Ultimately, we assert that understanding and acknowledging contribution as the foundation of scientifc progress, while honoring the legacy of giants in our feld, foster impactful research and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in social justice research.