Nuno F. G. Loureiro

Nuno F. G. Loureiro is a Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering and Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he also serves as Director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering and the Department of Physics within the School of Engineering.

Education: PhD in Physics from Imperial College, London (2005); MEng in Physics from Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon (2000). Professional history includes postdoctoral roles at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, and leadership roles at the Institute for Plasma and Nuclear Fusion in Lisbon.

Research focuses on theoretical plasma physics, particularly magnetic reconnection in fusion and astrophysical contexts, plasma turbulence, and magnetized plasma dynamics. Key tools include the Viriato simulation code and collaborations on quantum computing applications. His work addresses energy conversion mechanisms, plasmoid dynamics, and plasma confinement in fusion systems.

Awards include the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2024), Fellow of the American Physical Society (2022), and the Thomas H. Stix Award (2015). Teaching includes courses such as 22.15 Essential Numerical Methods and 22.615 MHD Theory of Fusion Systems.

Loureiro leads the Loureiro Group, actively contributing to fusion energy research and astrophysical plasma studies. His work bridges fundamental plasma physics with practical applications in energy and space science.