MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro Killed in Brookline Shooting: Community in Shock

Thu Dec 18 2025 15:02:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology community mourns the loss of professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, who was tragically shot and killed at his home in Brookline. Authorities continue to search for the suspect as tributes pour in from students and colleagues.

Professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a dedicated physicist and director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was shot at his apartment in Brookline, Massachusetts, leading to an ongoing homicide investigation with no suspects in custody. The MIT president described his death as a 'shocking loss.' Former colleagues and students express deep sorrow at the loss of a respected mentor.

BROOKLINE, Mass. — The search for a suspect intensified on Wednesday after the tragic shooting of Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a respected professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in his home earlier this week.

Loureiro, 47, who was a prominent physicist and led MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was shot in his apartment on Monday night and succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital the following day. The Norfolk District Attorney's Office confirmed the investigation was ongoing, with no suspects yet in custody.

This incident unfolds in a troubling context for the academic community, following another recent shooting at Brown University, where two students lost their lives, and several others were injured. Authorities have not provided updates linking either incident as investigations continue.

Many were shocked not only by the violent act but also by the loss of a brilliant mind dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions. MIT President Sally Kornbluth lamented Loureiro’s death as an ‘irreplaceable loss’ while expressing sympathy for his family and the wider MIT community.

Born in Viseu, Portugal, Loureiro was committed to his work, hopeful that his research would contribute positively to humanity’s future. He often emphasized the potential of fusion energy in transforming our world.

In memory of Loureiro, students and colleagues have been leaving flowers at his apartment building, expressing their grief over the loss of a leader and mentor. As the community reflects on his influence, the aspiration remains to honor his legacy by continuing his mission.