Planning Phase

Getting Started with SMART Teams

Your SMART Team registration gives you access to all four phases of the modeling program, plus the resources and staff guidance you need to lead a team. This page walks you through when to plan major milestones, so your students can design their model before they write their abstract and poster.

In the Planning Phase, you will decide as a team how to approach your project. Each phase will impact the next, as well as your final Capstone Experience. So, it is important to understand how the phases fit together and to determine the scope of your project before beginning.

Model Specifications

Our 3D printers support up to four colors in a single print, not including the standard blue N-terminal and red C-terminal endcaps. We highly encourage students to paint their models after printing and are happy to provide painting tips. 
 
As part of your SMART Team registration, you also have access to an optional Modeling Consultation with Leah Krevitt, our 3D Print Specialist. Leah is available to meet with teams via Zoom to discuss model design choices, printing options, and new multi-color printing technology. After this consultation, additional color options may be available for your team’s model, depending on design and feasibility. 
 
Email SMART@3Dmoleculardesigns.com to schedule your meeting.

Recommended Timelines

ASBMB Schedule

If your Team's goal is to present at the ASBMB Conference, take note of these important due dates and milestones.

The 2027 ASBMB Annual Meeting will take place April 3–6, 2027, at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston, MA. SMART Teams present their Capstone Projects during the ASBMB undergraduate poster sessions (the date and time for 2027 is TBD).

*ASBMB Timeline & Details Coming Soon!

ASBMB Terms and Conditions 
3D Molecular Designs' SMART Teams will have 10 poster session spots available at the ASBMB conference. Because demand exceeds the number of spots, we are implementing the following selection and participation rules: 

• Eligibility cap per school: Only one SMART Team per school may be selected to attend ASBMB in a given year.

• Alternating year rule: A school may send a team to ASBMB every other year.

  • Schools that send a team to ASBMB in one year will not be eligible for an ASBMB poster spot the following year.

  • In their “off” year, schools are still required to register as a SMART Team to remain in the program.

  • During off years, those teams are qualified and encouraged to attend the SMART Team Symposium instead of ASBMB.

• Selection within eligible schools: If a school is eligible for ASBMB in a given year (i.e., they did not attend the previous year), their team will be considered for one of the 10 spots. Spots will be allocated based on the order of team registration and meeting the model first milestone. 

• If spaces remain: If any ASBMB poster spots remain after eligible schools are selected, schools that attended ASBMB in the previous year may become eligible. These teams will then be considered based on meeting the model first milestone.

• Continued registration required: Teams must continue registering as SMART Teams even in years they are not eligible to attend ASBMB. This keeps the program running and ensures those teams can be considered for future ASBMB opportunities when they become eligible again. Teams that are ineligible for ASBMB can still present at the SMART Team Symposium (date & location TBD). 
  

SMART Team Symposium Schedule

If your Team's goal is to present at the SMART Team Symposium, take note of these important due dates and milestones.

We're currently planning the 2027 SMART Team Symposium! Details (dates, location, and format) are still being finalized, but we expect it to be a great opportunity for teams to present their work, connect with other SMART Teams, and celebrate their modeling projects.
If you're interested in hosting a future Symposium, we'd love to talk! Email us at SMART@3dmoleculardesigns.com. 

*Symposium Timeline & Details Coming Soon! 

Did You Know?

The SMART team phases are designed to be flexible, working well for a wide variety of unique team situations.

• The program can be completed in a few weeks or over the course of an entire academic year
• The protein structure concepts explored can be relatively introductory or get into the minute details of cutting-edge research
• Teams can choose to work with a research mentor or use one of 3D Molecular Designs' molecular stories

Use this suggested timeline to plan your SMART Team year. Dates can flex to your school calendar, but keeping the model design at the mid‑point helps students build stronger abstracts and posters around their model.

Don't Forget to Register Your Team

Your $750 registration fee* gives you instant access to:  

• Access to all four SMART Team phases and supporting materials.
• Use of Jmol, molecule builder, and modeling resources for student exploration and design.
• Direct support from SMART Teams staff for phased model design, abstract drafting, and poster refinement.
• One full‑color 3D print of your team’s model, plus options for additional models for an additional fee^

*You can support more than one SMART Team at no additional cost, but if that team would also like an abstract, model, and poster review, please include "Additional Team" in your order. 

 ^Check the SMART Team Registration page for details on additional model types and pricing.

 Moving to the Next Phase

Once your team has determined the scope and plan for your project, move on to the Training Phase. Or, if you have decided to skip the Training Phase, move directly on to the Protein Story Phase.