In spring of 2002, a group of researchers, activists and academics convened in Bellagio, Italy to review the state of the art in research on FGC/FGM/FC. This conference was instrumental in identifying important research gaps and the need for better utilization of research findings to inform programs and policies.

The participants in that meeting agreed to form the founding membership of a research network that would bring the evidence of good science to bear on important unanswered questions surrounding the practice and persistence of FGC/FGM/FC. The group chose the name INTACT Network, and formed smaller task forces to work on building the network's membership and activities, securing funding, and moving toward publication of important studies related to the field.

This section provides a directory of INTACT’s founding members and general members.