Experimental physical methods and theories – then and now

•Progress report on physical methods and theories in UHD since survey in 1994.•Notable advancement in experimental methods in UHD research.•Call for grant challenge projects to support fundamental basis for UHD research.

IntroductionA first evaluation of fundamental research into the physics and physiology of Ultra high dilutions (UHDs) was conducted by the author in 19941. In this paper we revisit methods and theories from back then and follow their paths through their evolution and contribution to new knowledge in UHD research since then.MethodPhysical methods and theories discusses in our anthology on UHD in 19941 form the basis for tracing ideas and findings along their path of further development and impact on new knowledge in UHD.ResultsExperimental approaches to probe physical changes in homeopathic preparations have become more sophisticated over past two decades, so did the desire to report results to a scientific standard that is on par with those in specialist literature. The same cannot be said about underlying supporting theoretical models and simulations.ConclusionGrant challenges in science often take a more targeted and more concerted approach to formulate a research question and then look for answers. A concerted effort to focus on one hypothesized physical aspect of a well-defined homeopathic preparation may help aligning experimental methods with theoretical models and, in doing so, help to gain a deeper understanding of the whole body of insights and data produced.