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Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a professor of nuclear science, engineering and physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), died at age 47 after being shot at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Loureiro was found wounded late Monday and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, according to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said a homicide investigation is underway. No suspects have been arrested, and no motive has been publicly identified.
Brookline police and the Massachusetts District Attorney’s Office said all lines of inquiry remain open.
Investigators reported no signs of forced entry at the residence.
Israeli officials are examining intelligence assessments suggesting a possible Iranian connection to the killing, according to reports.
However, these claims have not been verified and are not supported by official findings from U.S. investigative authorities.
Sources stressed there is currently no definitive evidence linking the murder to a state or intelligence operation.
Both U.S. and Israeli officials emphasized that speculation circulating in media and on social platforms is not substantiated at this stage.
Loureiro joined MIT’s faculty in 2016 and was named director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) in 2024.
A leading theoretical physicist and fusion scientist, his research focused on plasma turbulence, magnetized plasma dynamics and the physics underlying fusion energy and astrophysical phenomena such as solar flares.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth described his death as a “shocking loss,” noting his impact as a scientist, mentor and leader.
Colleagues said Loureiro was widely admired for his scientific rigor and compassionate approach to teaching and leadership.
Loureiro’s work advanced the understanding of plasma behavior inside fusion reactors, helping inform designs aimed at harnessing clean fusion energy.
His research also extended to astrophysics, including theories on turbulence in pair plasmas and studies linked to neutron star mergers.
He taught graduate-level plasma physics and fusion theory courses and received multiple teaching and research awards, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the American Physical Society’s Thomas H. Stix Award and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Born in Portugal, Loureiro earned his undergraduate degree from Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon and completed his doctorate at Imperial College London in 2005.
He conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and later worked at the UKAEA Culham Center for Fusion Energy before returning to Portugal as a researcher.
He joined MIT in 2016.
Loureiro’s death sent shockwaves through the international scientific community.
Students and colleagues gathered near his residence to pay their respects, while MIT faculty highlighted his role in advancing fusion science and mentoring the next generation of researchers.
U.S. Ambassador to Portugal John J. Arrigo also expressed condolences, honoring Loureiro’s leadership and global contributions to science.
Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.
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