MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro Shot Dead in Brookline, Investigation Underway

Fri Dec 19 2025 04:37:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Nuno Loureiro, a prominent physicist and director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, has been killed in a shooting at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts. The incident is under investigation as authorities seek leads.

Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a 47-year-old professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and leader in fusion energy research, was fatally shot on Monday night at his Brookline home. Emergency responders transported him to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office has opened a homicide investigation, but no suspects have been identified. MIT President Sally Kornbluth expressed shock at Loureiro’s death, describing it as a profound loss for the institution and the field of science. The incident raises concerns in the area following a separate shooting at Brown University.

BROOKLINE, Mass. – Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a distinguished professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was shot and killed in his home near Boston late Monday night. The shooting has prompted a homicide investigation by local authorities.

The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office reported that Loureiro, 47, was critically injured and later died at a local hospital on Tuesday. As of the latest updates, no suspects have been apprehended, and the investigation continues.

Loureiro, who had been with MIT since 2016, was appointed director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center last year. His leadership was expected to further advancements in clean energy technology, an essential area of contemporary scientific research.

Originally from Viseu, Portugal, Loureiro pursued his higher education in both Lisbon and London, and previously worked at a nuclear fusion institute in Lisbon before his tenure at MIT. Colleagues and students described him as a nurturing mentor and an influential figure in the academic community.

In a statement, MIT President Sally Kornbluth expressed heartfelt condolences, categorizing Loureiro’s death as a “shocking loss” to the MIT family and the scientific community at large. Loureiro's contributions to science were significant, particularly in the realm of fusion energy, which he believed could address humanity’s greatest challenges.

This tragic incident unfolds amidst heightened anxiety regarding safety on university campuses, particularly following a recent shooting at Brown University, that left two students dead and raised alarms across the region. Community members have expressed shock and grief over Loureiro’s violent death, reflecting a growing sense of unease over such occurrences.

Details of the investigation are ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The quest for justice for Loureiro is not solely a matter of community concern, but also a vital context for addressing broader safety issues within educational institutions.