AbstractWe present high resolution simulations on the impact of ionizing radiation on turbulent molecular clouds. The combination of hydrodynamics, gravitational forces and ionization in the tree-SPH code iVINE naturally leads to the formation of elongated filaments and clumps, which are in excellent agreement with the pillars observed around HII regions. Including gravity the formation of a second generation of low-mass stars with surrounding protostellar disks is triggered at the tips of the pillars, as also observed. A parameter study allows us to determine the physical conditions under which irregular structures form and whether they resemble large pillars or a system of small, isolated globules.