A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor who was shot multiple times at his home has died, prompting an intensive homicide investigation by local and state authorities.

Nuno F. Gomes Loureiro, 47, a renowned nuclear science and engineering professor originally from Portugal, was shot on Monday evening and succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning at a Boston hospital, according to Brookline police and MIT officials.

Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment building in Brookline at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time on Monday. Loureiro was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by ambulance to hospital, where he later died. No arrests have been made, and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office said the case remains an “active and ongoing homicide investigation.”

Neighbours Report Hearing Gunshots

Local residents reported hearing what sounded like gunfire shortly before police arrived. One neighbour told local media that he heard “three loud bangs” and initially believed someone was forcing entry into an apartment.

Investigators have not released details about a possible suspect or motive. According to authorities, detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the area, canvassing nearby residences, and interviewing potential witnesses. An autopsy is expected to be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death, while ballistic evidence collected at the scene is being analyzed.

Distinguished Career in Physics and Fusion Research

Loureiro was a highly respected theoretical physicist and fusion scientist. He earned his undergraduate degree in physics from Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon in 2000 and completed his PhD in physics at Imperial College London in 2005, according to his MIT faculty biography.

His award-winning research focused on magnetised plasma dynamics—the study of charged particles influenced by magnetic fields—a field critical to both astrophysics and the development of nuclear fusion energy. Loureiro joined MIT’s faculty in 2016 and was appointed director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center in 2024.

According to MIT, his work addressed “complex problems lurking at the center of fusion vacuum chambers and at the edges of the universe.” He was also deeply involved in research aimed at harnessing clean fusion power as a tool to combat climate change.

Tributes Pour In

MIT expressed deep sorrow over Loureiro’s death. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family, students, colleagues, and all those who are grieving,” an MIT spokesperson said, adding that the university has initiated focused outreach and support efforts within the campus community.

Dennis Whyte, the former director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, described Loureiro as both an exceptional scientist and a remarkable human being. “He shone a bright light as a mentor, friend, teacher, colleague and leader, and was universally admired for his articulate, compassionate manner,” Whyte said.

Deepto Chakrabarty, head of MIT’s physics department, said Loureiro was a leading champion of plasma physics and noted that his most recent work represented “a particularly exciting new scientific direction” for the field.

Community on Alert

Brookline police said there is currently no indication of a broader threat to the public but urged anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that additional details will be released as they become available. (ILKHA)