Sara Arroyo Mühr

I am an Associate Professor (Docent) and Senior Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, where I lead the Arroyo Mühr Research Group within the Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination.

My research focuses on HPV-related and HPV-independent cancers, combining molecular biology, cancer genomics, biomarkers, epidemiology and cancer prevention. In 2026, I was awarded an ERC Starting Grant (ESCAPE-HPV) to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying HPV-negative cervical cancers.

Beyond molecular cancer research, I have led the implementation of HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in Ukraine during the ongoing war, through a project supported by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This work reflects my commitment to translating scientific evidence into accessible cancer prevention strategies, including in conflict-affected settings.

I also serve as Scientific Lead of the International HPV Reference Center, Coordinator of the HPV Laboratory Network (HPV LabNet), and Executive Board Member of the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS).

My overarching goal is to bridge fundamental cancer research, molecular diagnostics and population-based epidemiology to improve cancer prevention and early detection.

My main research interests include:

• Cancer biology and genomics: Molecular characterisation of HPV-negative cervical cancers and HPV-associated malignancies, including oropharyngeal cancer, using genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics and multi-omics approaches.
• Biomarkers of disease progression and regression: Identification and evaluation of molecular and microbiome-related biomarkers associated with HPV persistence, lesion progression, regression and cancer risk.
• Molecular epidemiology and screening optimisation: Integration of longitudinal HPV testing data, biomarkers and population-based cancer screening registries to improve risk stratification, screening participation, follow-up and early detection.
• HPV testing and laboratory quality assurance: Evaluation, validation and standardisation of HPV testing methods, with particular emphasis on laboratory performance, quality assurance and comparability of results across laboratories.
• Global cancer prevention and implementation research: Evaluation and implementation of accessible HPV-based screening strategies, including self-sampling in underserved and conflict-affected settings.

I serve as Educational Lead at the Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination at Karolinska Institutet, contributing to the coordination and development of educational activities within the division.

I have led the development of the HPV Laboratory Manual, an educational resource supporting laboratory professionals in HPV detection, genotyping, testing methodologies and quality assurance. I am also actively involved in developing and delivering international online training courses and educational activities covering HPV taxonomy, molecular diagnostics, laboratory methods and quality assurance.

My teaching activities include lectures, seminars, workshops and hands-on training in HPV biology, molecular epidemiology, cancer prevention, molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics, targeting students, researchers and healthcare professionals and laboratory specialists.

I supervise doctoral and master's students and contribute to research training, scientific mentoring and the development of early-career researchers. Through my international roles and collaborations, I am committed to strengthening scientific education, laboratory capacity building and knowledge exchange across research and healthcare settings.