Stanford has a Computational Policy Lab that focuses on using ML and data to measure the impact of policy changes. Carnegie Mellon has a joint PhD program in Machine Learning and Public Policy. There's also a research conference ACM EAAMO about combing algorithmic theory, economics, and public policy together.

My personal research interests in combining social work with machine learning to design better social work interventions, and there has been work in this space to use NLP to intervene on gang shootings and optimizing homelessness services for youth in LA.