Structure formation is a branch of astrophysics and cosmology that studies how the large-scale structure of the universe, such as galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and cosmic filaments, formed and evolved over time. This research area focuses on understanding the processes by which small fluctuations in the early universe grew into the vast structures we observe today through the influence of gravity and other physical mechanisms. Scientists use a combination of observations, simulations, and theoretical models to study the formation and evolution of cosmic structures. This field is essential for understanding the overall structure and evolution of the universe as a whole.