High energy physics is a branch of physics that studies the fundamental particles and forces of the universe at incredibly high energies. This field aims to better understand the behavior of particles at the smallest scales and highest speeds, such as those found in particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider. High energy physicists study the properties of particles, interactions between particles, and the underlying structure of matter and energy. This research area plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the fundamental workings of the universe and has led to important discoveries such as the Higgs boson.