Nuno Loureiro, a distinguished professor of nuclear science and engineering as well as physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has sadly passed away at the age of 47. A celebrated theoretical physicist and fusion scientist, Loureiro served as the director of the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center and joined the institute's faculty in 2016. His groundbreaking research tackled complex challenges not only within the vacuum chambers of fusion reactors but also at the cosmic edges of the universe.
During his tenure at MIT, Loureiro significantly advanced scientists' comprehension of plasma behavior, particularly in areas such as turbulence. His work illuminated the physics underlying astronomical phenomena, including the dynamics of solar flares. He held the prestigious title of Herman Feshbach Professor of Physics at MIT and was named the director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center in 2024, although his contributions to fusion science and engineering began well before that appointment.
Loureiro's research focused on magnetized plasma dynamics, magnetic field amplification, and the confinement and transport of fusion plasmas. His findings played a crucial role in designing fusion devices intended to harness the energy generated by fusing plasmas, thereby bringing the vision of clean and virtually limitless fusion power closer to realization. Dennis Whyte, the Hitachi America Professor of Engineering and former head of the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, remarked, “Nuno was not only a brilliant scientist, but he was also a brilliant person.”
Loureiro was respected not just for his scientific prowess but also for his dedication to mentoring. “Nuno was a champion for plasma physics within the Physics Department, a wonderful and engaging colleague, and an inspiring mentor for graduate students,” noted Deepto Chakrabarty, the William A. M. Burden Professor in Astrophysics. His recent endeavors in quantum computing algorithms for plasma physics simulations signified an exciting new direction in his research.
Whether delving into fusion or astrophysics, Loureiro seamlessly blended fundamental physics with technological applications to maximize impact. He once stated, “There are people driven by technology and engineering, and others who are driven by fundamental mathematics and physics. We need both.” His approach attracted brilliant minds to the field of fusion development by framing challenges in plasma physics as captivating theoretical problems.
Loureiro's academic journey began with a major in physics at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) in Portugal, followed by a PhD in physics from Imperial College London in 2005. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory before joining the UKAEA Culham Center for Fusion Energy in 2007. In 2009, he returned to IST, where he worked as a researcher at the Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion until his move to MIT in 2016.
At MIT, Loureiro quickly became an integral part of the intellectual community, dedicating part of his initial years to addressing the complex issue of plasma turbulence. His laboratory at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center shed light on plasma behaviors within fusion reactors, aiming to prevent material failures and improve plasma containment for electricity generation.
In addition to his contributions to fusion research, Loureiro's work in astrophysics unveiled fundamental mechanisms of the universe. He introduced the first theory of turbulence in pair plasmas, distinct from standard plasmas and potentially abundant in space. This work was partly inspired by groundbreaking observations of a binary neutron star merger in 2018.
As an assistant professor and later a full professor at MIT, Loureiro taught courses such as 22.612 (Intro to Plasma Physics) and 22.615 (MHD Theory of Fusion Systems), earning recognition with the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering’s PAI Outstanding Professor Award on two occasions. Throughout his prolific career, he received numerous accolades, including the National Science Foundation Career Award and the American Physical Society’s Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions to Plasma Physics Research. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Loureiro's passing leaves a significant void in the nuclear science and engineering community, as noted by Benoit Forget, the KEPCO Professor and head of the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. “Nuno was not only an extraordinary scientist and educator, but also a tremendous colleague, mentor, and friend who cared deeply about his students and his community.” His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations in the fields of fusion and plasma research.