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RACA Journal: ISSN 1812-772X
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RACA Journal Publication www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za eamonn @ interactmedia. co. za
ON FELLOWS, TITLES AND THE VALUE OF RECOGNITION IN HVAC & R
In many past issues of RACA Journal, we have been privileged to profile a number of SAIRAC Fellows and to publish contributions from members who have reached this level of professional recognition within the HVAC & R sector. editor ' s note
These individuals represent decades of technical expertise, mentorship and service to the industry, and their willingness to continue contributing articles and insights is both valued and appreciated. Their engagement helps ensure that our publication remains grounded in practical experience while also reflecting the evolving technical and professional landscape of our field.
It is therefore timely to both acknowledge their contribution and to reflect on a comment recently received from one Fellow, who questioned the appropriateness of the term‘ Fellow’ itself. In essence, the concern raised was that the designation can feel somewhat‘ pompous’ or old fashioned, and that consideration might be given to whether alternative titles – such as Honourary Member or Life Member – would be more suitable in describing senior status within professional bodies.
This is not a casual observation. Language matters, particularly in professional associations where titles are meant to confer recognition, but also inclusivity and relevance. The term‘ Fellow’ has a long history in learned societies, originating in academic institutions and professional guilds where it signified both trust and shared responsibility for advancing a discipline. However, it is also true that in contemporary usage, some members and observers perceive it as formal or hierarchical in a way that may feel disconnected from modern
professional culture. Looking more broadly at comparable organisations internationally, the use of‘ Fellow’ is in fact widespread and remains a highly regarded designation. For example, in the US, ASHRAE awards the grade of Fellow to members who have made significant and notable contributions to the industry and to the society itself. Far from being considered outdated, it is often viewed as one of the highest professional honours within the HVAC & R community.
Similarly, in the United Kingdom, institutions such as the CIBSE and the IMechE continue to use the Fellow designation as a marker of senior professional standing,
RACA Journal I May 2026 typically reserved for individuals who have demonstrated sustained achievement, leadership and contribution to the profession. At a European level, organisations such as REHVA also operate within a framework where senior recognition and honourary distinctions play an important role in acknowledging contribution and expertise.
What this comparison suggests is that the issue is less about whether such titles are‘ necessary’, and more about how they are understood and communicated within each professional culture. In most international contexts,‘ Fellow’ remains a respected and aspirational designation, signalling both technical excellence and service to the profession.
That said, the comment we have received raises a valuable opportunity for reflection within SAIRAC and the wider HVAC & R community. There is merit in opening a discussion among members about whether current terminology best reflects the values of inclusivity, modernity and professional identity that we wish to project. If there is a sense that alternative terms such as‘ Honourary Member’ or‘ Life Member’ may better communicate recognition without perceived hierarchy, then that conversation is worth having openly and constructively.
Ultimately, the objective is not to diminish the status of those who have contributed so significantly to our industry, but rather to ensure that the language we use continues to reflect both respect for tradition and relevance to the present day. Titles should inspire pride among those who hold them, while also being readily understood and positively received by the broader membership. We would therefore welcome further views from members and encourage an open dialogue on this topic in future editions. In doing so, we continue the spirit that these honours were intended to recognise active engagement in shaping the profession and its future.
At the same time, we invite any Fellows( and indeed any SAIRAC members) to consider writing articles – both technical articles and opinion pieces – in future issues. RACA
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