Prominent MIT Professor Fatally Shot in Brookline Home - Homicide Investigation Underway

Brookline, Mass. — December 16, 2025

A distinguished professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was shot and killed in his home late Monday night, authorities confirmed Tuesday, prompting a homicide investigation in the quiet suburban town of Brookline.

Nuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, a renowned theoretical physicist from Portugal and director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside his residence on Gibbs Street around 8:30 p.m. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning.

“Loureiro is taking the helm of one of MIT’s largest labs: more than 250 full-time researchers, staff members, and students work and study in seven buildings with 250,000 square feet of lab space,” MIT said.

Nuno Loureiro named director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center A lauded professor, theoretical physicist, and fusion scientist, Loureiro is keenly positioned to advance the center’s research and education goals

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Brookline police responded to reports of gunshots and discovered Loureiro in the building's foyer. The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office described the incident as an "active and ongoing homicide investigation," with no arrests announced and limited details released.Neighbors reported hearing several loud bangs around the time of the shooting. "I thought at first it was somebody kicking in a door," one resident told local media.

Loureiro, who joined MIT's faculty in 2016, was a leading expert in plasma physics, contributing to research on turbulence, solar flares, and fusion energy as a potential clean power source to combat climate change. Appointed director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center in 2024, he oversaw one of the university's largest laboratories.

In a statement, MIT expressed profound grief: "Our deepest sympathies are with his family, students, colleagues, and all those who are grieving. Focused outreach and conversations are taking place within our community to offer care and support for those who knew Prof. Loureiro."

The news reverberated internationally, with Portugal's foreign minister announcing Loureiro's death during a parliamentary session and the U.S. Ambassador to Portugal issuing condolences.

Authorities, including Massachusetts State Police and Brookline detectives, continue to investigate. No motive has been disclosed, and officials urge anyone with information to come forward. 17GEN4.com