MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro Shot Dead at Brookline Home; Homicide Investigation Underway

MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro Shot Dead at Brookline Home; Homicide Investigation Underway

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of Nuno Loureiro, a 47-year-old professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whose death has sent shockwaves through the academic community in Massachusetts and beyond.

According to officials, Loureiro was found suffering from a gunshot wound inside his home in Brookline, near Boston, late Monday night. Emergency responders arrived at the residence, and Loureiro was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning. The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that his death is being treated as a homicide, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

“This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation,” the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement, noting that no additional details about suspects or motives have been released at this time.

Loureiro, originally from Portugal, was a highly respected physicist and fusion scientist at MIT. He was widely recognized for his work in plasma physics and fusion energy, fields critical to advancing clean and sustainable power. Colleagues describe him as a brilliant researcher, dedicated educator, and valued mentor to students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

MIT released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Loureiro’s death.

“Our deepest sympathies are with his family, students, colleagues, and all those who are grieving,” the university said.

MIT President Sally Kornbluth also addressed the loss, calling it devastating for the campus community.

“This shocking loss for our community comes in a period of disturbing violence in many other places,” Kornbluth said. “Support services are available for students, faculty, and staff as we come together to mourn and care for one another.”

The sudden and violent nature of Loureiro’s death has left many in the scientific and academic communities struggling to process the loss. Tributes have begun to circulate from colleagues and former students who praised his passion for research, generosity with his time, and commitment to advancing knowledge through science.

Local and state law enforcement agencies continue to work the case, urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. As of now, no arrests have been announced.

As the investigation continues, friends, colleagues, and students remember Nuno Loureiro not only for his groundbreaking scientific contributions, but also for the lasting impact he made through teaching, mentorship, and service to the global scientific community.