Maria is a Quantitative Researcher at the GO Lab, working at the intersection of public administration, policy/programme evaluation, and social data science.
She currently contributes to the evaluation of the Cabinet Office-led Test, Learn and Grow programme, bringing methodological and analytical expertise to examine the impact of place-based, iterative (“test-and-learn”) approaches to policymaking and social service delivery.
Previously, Maria supported the impact evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis of the Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership (KBOP), commissioned under the Life Chances Fund. In this work, she collaborated closely with the Employment Data Lab to link and analyse administrative records from the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue & Customs, generating robust evidence on the impact of outcomes-based, person-centred service reforms. In recognition of her contributions to this project, she received an Award for Excellence under the University of Oxford’s Recognition Scheme.
Maria is also pursuing a DPhil in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Her research examines how public sector organisations achieve innovation, with a particular interest in agile approaches to organisational change. She holds an MSc in Data Science and Public Policy and a BSc in Politics and International Relations, both from University College London.
Patouna, M., De Gruyter, E., and Carter, E. (2025). Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership: Understanding the effects of person-centred service reforms in housing support. Government Outcomes Lab, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
Rosenbach, F., Carter, E., van Lier, F-A., Patouna, M. (2025) The Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership: The final report of a longitudinal evaluation of a Life Chances Fund outcomes partnership. Government Outcomes Lab, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.