The Role of Black Hole Growth in Galaxy Formation and Evolution
A special issue of Universe (ISSN 2218-1997). This special issue belongs to the section "Gravitation".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 23
Special Issue Editors
Interests: galaxy; galaxy formation; galaxy evolution
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue on “The Role of Black Hole Growth in Galaxy Formation and Evolution” aims to explore the intricate relationship between supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and the formation and evolution of galaxies. We invite therefore research articles, reviews, and theoretical studies that address various related topics, including the mechanisms of SMBH formation and growth, and direct collapse, mergers, and accretion processes related to SMBHs. Additionally, we seek to investigate the impact of black hole growth on star formation rates, gas dynamics, and the overall morphological evolution of galaxies. Another key focus is on the feedback mechanisms by which energy and momentum from black holes influence galaxy evolution, including quasar feedback and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity. We also encourage contributions that provide insights from cosmological simulations that incorporate black hole physics into galaxy formation models. Observational studies revealing new findings across various wavelengths—radio, optical, infrared, and X-ray—will further enhance our understanding of the relationships between black holes and galaxies. Ultimately, we aim to bridge the gap between small-scale black hole dynamics and large-scale structure formation. The purpose of this Special Issue is to synthesize the latest knowledge by compiling and highlighting recent advancements in the field, focusing on how black hole growth is intertwined with galaxy evolution. We aim to foster collaboration between researchers from different subfields, including astrophysics, cosmology, and observational astronomy, to develop a holistic understanding of these phenomena. Additionally, this Special Issue will identify gaps in the current literature and point toward future research directions. This Special Issue is closely related to the existing literature in several ways: It builds upon foundational works that established connections between SMBHs and their host galaxies, such as correlations between black hole mass and bulge properties. Furthermore, it seeks to address ongoing debates regarding the mechanisms of feedback and the timescales involved in black hole–galaxy interactions. With advancements in observational technology, including the James Webb Space Telescope, we will highlight how new data can refine existing theories and models. By encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue, this Special Issue aims to connect with other fields, such as gravitational wave astronomy, providing new insights into black hole mergers and their implications for galaxy formation. In summary, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of how black hole growth influences galaxy formation and evolution, contributing to a more unified view of cosmic structure formation.
Dr. Mojtaba Raouf
Dr. Violette Impellizzeri
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- supermassive black holes
- galaxy formation and evolution
- active galactic nuclei
- star formation rates
- gas dynamics
- cosmological simulations
- black hole mergers
- gravitational waves
- interstellar medium
- structure formation
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