Harel Shouval’s research focuses on identifying the rules by which changes in synaptic strength – believed to be the basis of learning, memory, and development in the cortex – take place. These synapses are the means by which one neuron communicates with another, and changes in these weights are called synaptic plasticity. His research concentrates on theoretical/ computational approaches to the study of synaptic plasticity and its implications on learning, memory, and development.

Shouval studies synaptic plasticity at many levels, from its molecular basis to its functional implications, and belives that theoretical studies are essential for forming the link between these different levels of description.