Around 19 in 20 adults carry the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), making it one of the most common human viral infections.

In most people, EBV is relatively harmless, although it’s the cause of glandular fever, “kissing disease”. But in some parts of the world it’s a big problem – every year, EBV infection accounts for 200,000 new cases of cancer worldwide, and more than 140,000 deaths.

To eradicate EBV-induced cancers from the world is a grand challenge that would make a significant difference to global health, and is a fully achievable ambition.