Ruxandra Pătrașcu

Researcher

Ruxandra Pătrașcu is a researcher at EPG in the Data Analysis Department, with over ten years of experience in journalism and a background in social sciences. Ruxandra completed her bachelor’s degree in English at the Faculty of Journalism, FSPAC, within Babeș-Bolyai University. At the same university, she studied for one year in the Master’s program in Crisis and Conflict Studies, which also gave her the opportunity to obtain her first Erasmus scholarship at the University of the Azores (Portugal). Later, she completed a Master’s in Cultural Anthropology at SNSPA Bucharest, where she received a second Erasmus scholarship, this time in Thessaloniki at the University of Macedonia, where she focused on studying migration.  Ruxandra’s academic journey is enriched by her participation in summer schools, including the Konitsa Summer School (anthropology and migration) and the EUI Summer School for Journalists and Media Practitioners (rethinking the media industry). Her education is distinguished by a strong emphasis on fieldwork, interdisciplinary social sciences, and empirical research.  

She built her career in Romania’s independent press, focusing on long-form, in-depth reporting. Ruxandra has worked with publications like Decât o Revistă, Casa Jurnalistului, Scena9, Inclusiv, and VICE. She has written extensive articles, produced explanatory journalism, created three podcasts and newsletters, and was awarded for her work in Romania’s leading press gala. She has also founded and managed cultural projects addressing social issues in disadvantaged regions. 

Ruxandra’s interdisciplinary background enhances her approach to research and data analysis, enabling her to draw connections between social factors and data trends. This perspective is valuable in providing insights and ensuring that findings are relevant to real-world social challenges.