BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) — Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a 47-year-old physicist and director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was shot Monday night at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, and succumbed to his injuries the following day.
As authorities launched a homicide investigation, no suspects have been taken into custody. Loureiro had been a prominent advocate for clean energy solutions and had joined MIT in 2016, where he led significant advancements in plasma science and fusion technology.
Raised in Viseu, Portugal, he was a respected mentor and colleague, remembered fondly by peers for his warmth and articulate communication style. Dennis Whyte, a professor at MIT, remarked on his profound impact as a leader and educator.
It is with profound sadness that we recognize the tragic loss of Professor Loureiro, said MIT president Sally Kornbluth in a statement. His work aimed to tackle some of humanity’s biggest challenges through innovation and collaboration in energy technology, making his contributions vital to future generations.
Students and colleagues gathered to pay their respects, demonstrating the void Loureiro left in the academic and scientific community. The U.S. ambassador to Portugal also shared condolences, praising Loureiro's significant contributions to science.
This incident unfolds amidst recent violence in the region, as police in Providence, Rhode Island, investigate a separate shooting that left two students dead, though the FBI has stated no connections exist between the cases.
For years, Loureiro advocated for harnessing fusion energy, believing it could profoundly alter humanity's trajectory. Fusion energy will change the course of human history, he famously stated, reflecting his commitment to finding solutions for pressing global issues.
