Following her training as physician and pathologists, Nubia Muñoz continued her education in public health, epidemiology and virology. Her interest on cancer epidemiology led her to research the association between infectious agents and cancer. As head of her team, she focussed on human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. They created an international network to research the topic and they identified HPV as a strong risk factor for cervical cancer.

Her research and perseverance catalyzed the development of the HPV vaccine.

Among other rewards and recognitions, she was named ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’ by France, and was awarded The Cross of Boyacá in Colombia.